Laryngitis (Larynx Inflammation)

Laryngitis (synonyms: laryngitis; laryngitis chronica; laryngitis caused by streptococci; laryngitis subglottica; laryngitis ulcerosa; laryngotracheitis; laryngotracheitis, acute; laryngitis; tracheal catarrh; tracheal catarrh; ICD-10-GM J04.-: Acute laryngitis and tracheitis) is the inflammation of the larynx, more specifically the laryngeal mucosa and skeleton. In most cases, the vocal folds are also affected. It often occurs in combination with an upper respiratory tract infection, such as pharyngitis (throat inflammation).

The disease is caused by viruses or bacteria in the majority of cases.

Seasonal accumulation of the disease: cold-related laryngitis occurs more frequently in winter, as does pseudocroup in children.

The following forms of laryngitis are distinguished:

  • Laryngitis acuta – acute, that is, occurring suddenly.
  • Laryngitis chronica – chronic, that is permanently occurring.
  • Laryngitis diphterica – occurring in the context of diphtheria, is then called “real croup”.
  • Laryngitis gastrica – non-bacterial, inflammatory reaction of the mucous membrane in the larynx and surrounding pharynx due to a reflux (Latin refluxus “reflux”) of gastric secretions.
  • Laryngitis hyperplastica – is associated with increase in connective tissue.
  • Laryngitis sicca – dry form, with decrease in mucous membrane and crust formation.
  • Laryngitis subglottica – inflammatory swelling of the mucous membrane immediately below the vocal cords, acute occurrence in infants, is then called pseudocroup.
  • Laryngitis supraglottica – also called epiglottitis; acute, purulent, almost only in young children occurring inflammation of the epiglottis due to infection with Haemophilus influenzae; leads untreated in 24-48 hours to death!
  • Laryngitis tuberculosa – laryngeal tuberculosis.

Sex ratio: men are more commonly affected by chronic laryngitis than women.

Frequency peak: chronic laryngitis occurs predominantly between the 50th and 60th year of life.

Course and prognosis: The treatment of the underlying disease is in the foreground, if relevant the avoidance of noxious substances involved (pollutants) as well as a protection of the voice. Laryngitis acuta is usually triggered by viral infections of the upper airways. Also a strong voice load in rooms with dry air can lead to laryngitis. However, this cause is rare. Acute laryngitis usually heals within a few days without consequences. If laryngitis is chronic, it should be monitored because chronic inflammation can develop into precancerous lesions and ultimately into carcinoma (cancer). In infants and young children, a life-threatening situation can develop if the larynx (larynx) and epiglottis (epiglottis) swell.

Laryngitis gastrica (see above), which is relatively common, can be relieved at least as well by a plant-based Mediterranean diet combined with drinking alkaline water as by treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI; acid blocker).