Laryngitis – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?

January 5, 2021 5:12 am Published by

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx caused by viral or bacterial infection, allergies, irritants or overuse.

Sn. & Sx.:

  • Constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, fatigue, malaise)
  • Hoarseness lasting longer than 2 weeks
  • Sore throat
  • Respiratory distress, stridor
  • Dyspnea
  • Dysphagia
  • Aphonia
  • Odynophagia
  • Oropharyngeal and/or tonsillar exudates
  • Cervical lymphadenopathy

dDx.:

  • Polyps, nodules
  • Tonsillitis
  • Mononucleosis
  • Diphtheria
  • Laryngotracheobronchitis
  • Malignancy
  • Lung cancer

Sequelae:

  • Airway obstruction

Work up:

  • Indirect laryngoscopy

Tx.:

  • Usually self-limited
  • Humidification
  • Corticosteroids

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This post was written by Omar Rifai