10.2 Disorders of the Larynx Flashcards
Give 3 broad causes of Larynx disorders
Congenital
Acquired
Tracheostomy
Give 3 Acquired causes of larynx disorders
1) Infection/inflammation: acute epiglottitis, laryngitis
2) Neoplasia: benign or malignant
3) Vocal cord palsy
What is Laryngomalacia?
Give 4 signs
Congenital disorder of the larynx also known as a floppy larynx or congenital laryngeal stridor. Usually settles by 12-18 months
- Inspiratory Stridor: worse on exertion
- Respiratory distress
- Feeding difficulties
- Reflux
What is classically seen in Laryngomalacia
Omega shaped epiglottis
Give a bacteria which commonly causes Acute epiglottitis
Give 5 signs/symptoms and state 3 general treatments
Bacteria: Haemophilus influenza
- VERY ILL (emergency!)
- fever
- Stridor
- pain on swallowing and drooling
- respiratory distress
Treatment: Antibiotics, airway maintenance, fluids
What is Laryngitis and what is the main cause?
What is it associated with and how long does it last?
An infection of the larynx that is usually acute and of viral cause (if >3weeks chronic)
Associated with URTI (commonly occurs following) and lasts 2-3 weeks
Give 5 risk factors/ causes of Laryngitis (SCARV)
- Smoking (main)
- Allergies
- reflux
- voice abuse
- candida
Give 2 benign neoplasms of the vocal cord
How would you treat?
Singers nodules (adults) or ‘screamers’ nodules (children)
Treat with speech therapy to prevent furthur nodule build up
Are polyps and papillomas of the cords usually benign or malignant?
How would you treat?
Can be either, but usually benign.
Difficult to determine so we must remove them to access whether they are cancerous
What is Reinkes oedema and who is at most risk?
fluid build up in the surface of the vocal folds, causing swelling and distension
SMOKERS most at risk!!
What are the main 2 signs associated with most larynx problems?
1) Hoarsness
2) Airway problems
What is the most common malignant neoplasm of the larynx?
Is it more common in males or female?
Squamous cell carcinoma
M:F 5:1
What are the 2 biggest risk factors for neoplasias of the larynx?
Give 2 other risk factors?
MAIN: Smoking and Alcohol
Others: Over 70 and HPV
How can neoplasias of the larynx be divided?
State the 3 divisions and their prognosis
By where they occur:
- Supraglottis
- Glottis (good prognosis)
- Subglottis (poor prognosis)
Give 6 red flags that may indicate malignant neoplasias of the larynx
(SSHH keep it DOWN)
- Sore throat
- SOB
- Hoarse
- Haemoptysis
- Dysphagia
- Otalgia
- Weight loss
- Neck lump