Chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx

Chronic laryngitis involves the mucous membrane of the entire larynx, but the lesions mainly affect vocal folds. The cause of the discomfort may be recurrent laryngeal diseases and their poor treatment. In addition, abuse of voice, alcohol and heavy smoking affects chronic laryngeal diseases.

What are chronic inflammatory laryngeal diseases?

In general, laryngitis is a condition that occurs due to irritation of the vocal cords and larynx. It is a disease of the mucous membrane of the larynx which has a long-lasting and chronic character. Then the swelling, hoarseness and even disappearance of the voice appear. Chronic laryngitis can attack the mucous membrane of the entire larynx, but mainly refers to vocal folds. The cause of the ailments are recurrent laryngeal diseases and their abnormal treatment. Also, viral infections (virus, influenza), acid reflux and heavy smoking affect this condition. Chronic laryngitis can develop over a long period of time and can last for several weeks or months. Treatment and prognosis depends on the cause and severity of the disease.

Chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx - causes

The causes of chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx are:

• recurrent, recurrent acute late larynx and inappropriate treatment,
• overuse of the voice,
• exposure to chemicals,
• circulatory disorders and heart defects,
• intense smoking,
• excessive alcohol consumption,
• allergies,
• teeth with caries,
• staying in dry and polluted air,
• chronic colds,
• complications of influenza,
• bronchitis.

Each of the above-mentioned factors, acting for a prolonged period one at a time or in the coexistence of others, may induce chronic pharyngitis of the hypertrophic or atrophic nature of the mucous membrane.

Symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx

The most typical symptoms of this disease are:

• hoarseness, which increases as the larynx loads with speaking, smoking, etc., so in the afternoon,
• loss of voice,
• fast fatigue,
• dry cough,
• grunting,
• feeling of discomfort in the throat,
• scratching and burning in the throat,
• sometimes a fever,
• enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck,
• trouble swallowing.

Treatment of chronic inflammatory laryngeal diseases

The treatment is long-lasting and consists primarily in striving to eliminate the causes of the disease. It is necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, and voice should be saved. Patients should periodically report to the ENT examination and to a phoniatic clinic dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the larynx. It is also recommended to rinse the throat with mixtures containing vitamin A and E, chamomile or sage decoction, and inhalation may be beneficial. Expector syrups and reducing the viscosity of secretions are helpful. In order to reduce swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. ibuprofen, may be used. If the patient has the option, he should go on a short break to the sea or to the mountains.

The doctor implements the antibiotic only when chronic laryngitis has a bacterial base, but in most cases, chronic laryngeal diseases have a viral cause. In turn, surgical treatment is performed in the case of polyps of the throat or paralysis of vocal cords. Some forms of this disease also carry the risk of developing a malignant tumor.

Important! You can also take care of proper hydration of the rooms in which we stay (this helps to relieve sore throat). You should also drink plenty of fluids or get lozenges.

Prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx

1. Remember to wash your hands.

2. Avoid contact with flu patients and colds to completely minimize the risk of infection.

3. If you use voice professionally - take breaks so that you do not cause inflammation.

4. Try to avoid working in places where you are exposed to harmful effects of chemicals.

5. Stop smoking.