Laryngitis and Epiglottitis Flashcards
What is Laryngitis?
Inflammation of the laynx
What are the 2 categories of Laryngitis?
=> Acute - lasts < 3 weeks MORE COMMON
=> Chronic - lasts > 3 weeks
What cells make up the walls of the larynx?
Cilliated cells
Goblet cells
What are the causes of Acute Laryngitis?
=> Viruses:
- Rhinovirus
- Coronavirus
- Influenza virus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory Syncitial Virus
=> Bacteria:
- Group A Streptococcus
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae
- Haemphilus Infuenzae
What is a superinfection?
Bacterial infection develops straight after a viral infection
What are the 3 main clinical features of Laryngitis?
=> 3 Ds:
- Dysphonia (hoarse voice)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
What is the pathophysiology of Acute Laryngitis?
- Goblet cells release mucus. Excess mucus causes congestion of airway
- Immune cells release chemicals causing pain and swelling
- Swelling interferes with movement of vocal cords
How is Acute Laryngitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made based on symptoms
What is the management of Acute Laryngitis?
- Rest vocal cords
- Fluids
- Analgesics
- If evidence of bacterial infection, give antibiotics
What are the causes of Chronic Laryngitis?
- Allergies
- Chronic exposure to irritants
- Reflux laryngitis (in severe GORD, acid goes all the way up the oesophagus, damaging larynx)
- Overuse of voice
What changes occur as a result of overuse of voice?
- Dysplasia of cells as columnar epithelial cells changed to squamous epithelial cells to adapt to irritation
- This increased chances of developing laryngeal cancer
What is the main investigation in suspected Chronic Laryngitis?
Laryngoscopy
What is the management of Chronic Laryngitis?
- Treat underlying cause
- Allergy medication
- Avoid irritants
- GORD medication
What is Acute Epiglottits?
- Inflammation of the epiglottis caused by infection
What is the main causative organism of Acute Epiglottitis?
Haemophilus Influenzae B
