Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Acute laryngitis is caused by viruses or bacteria and often occurs in association with upper respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. In addition, it can occur due to vocal overload in a smoky environment.
Chronic laryngitis is often found in people who have permanent irritation of the larynx, for example, due to excessive use of tobacco and alcohol. People who have to speak or sing a lot on a permanent basis, such as teachers or singers, are also more frequently affected. Furthermore, external environmental influences such as dust pollution, dry air and chemicals can promote the development of chronic laryngitis. In addition, chronic laryngitis can develop from acute laryngitis if the latter was not adequately treated and/or the voice was not sufficiently spared.
Laryngitis gastrica is an abacterial, inflammatory reaction of the mucous membrane in the larynx and surrounding pharynx. The cause is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR; Latin refluxus “reflux”) of gastric secretions, from which approximately 9-26 percent of the population suffer. Typical complaints include morning hoarseness (dysphonia), chronic coughing, throat clearing, globus sensation (feeling of a lump), and possibly also nonspecific swallowing difficulties.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Occupations – occupations with permanent overuse of the voice, e.g., in singers.
Behavioral causes
- Nutrition
- Malnutrition and undernutrition – weakens the immune system.
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see prevention with micronutrients.
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Tobacco (smoking)
- Psycho-social situation
- Stress (due toweakening of the immune system).
- Permanent overuse of the voice
- Constant mouth breathing – leads to drying of the mucous membranes of the larynx and thus to an increase in risk
Disease-related causes
- Allergic reactions – positive allergy test to e.g. dust mites, grasses, tree pollen.
- Diphtheria
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (synonyms: GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux disease); gastroesophageal reflux; reflux esophagitis; reflux disease; reflux esophagitis; peptic esophagitis) – inflammatory disease of the esophagus (esophagitis) caused by the pathological reflux (reflux) of acidic gastric juice and other gastric contents; this can exert an irritating influence on the larynx due to the gastric acid
- Immunodeficiency, e.g., in HIV disease or other immunodeficiency syndromes.
- Upper respiratory tract infections – e.g. cold, flu, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis or even pneumonia.
- Tuberculosis
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).
- Exogenous noxae (poisons) – air pollutants, dry air, dust pollution, chemicals.
