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In some cases, a doctor may refer the person with laryngitis to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.Īn ENT specialist may also perform a laryngoscopy to observe the motion of the vocal cords when in use.ĭuring a laryngoscopy, a doctor will either shine a light down the person’s throat and use a series of instruments to inspect the inside of the throat or pass a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope through the person’s nose. This symptom will require follow-up tests to rule out a more serious illness.Īnyone with laryngitis symptoms that last longer than 3 weeks should consult their doctor. Other conditions, such as cancer in the throat area, can cause chronic hoarseness. If a person presents with chronic hoarseness, a doctor may recommend additional testing to fully examine the vocal cords. They may also ask questions about lifestyle, potential exposure to airborne irritants, and other related diseases. The most common symptom of the condition is hoarseness, so doctors will take care to listen to the voice of the person when diagnosing laryngitis.
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Most cases do not require any additional testing. inhaling steroid medicines, such as asthma inhalersĭoctors typically diagnose laryngitis with a physical examination that assesses the ears, nose, throat, and voice.inhaling irritants, such as allergens or toxic fumes.bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.acid reflux, a condition in which stomach acid and contents make their way up into the throat.Common causes of chronic laryngitis include: There are a number of causes of chronic laryngitis. Most people in the United States have had the diphtheria vaccine. This is a bacterial infection that spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing. In very rare instances, diphtheria can cause laryngitis. Examples of overuse include loud singing or excessive shouting. Overuse of the voice can also cause inflammation of the larynx, which can lead to laryngitis. These viruses are often similar to those that cause the common cold or flu. The most common cause of laryngitis is a viral infection. Acute and chronic forms of laryngitis typically result from different factors. Both adults and children can develop epiglottitis, and the condition can be life-threatening in certain cases.Ī number of conditions can cause laryngitis. This is inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue. These symptoms can also indicate epiglottitis. loud, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling.a fever of over 103° Fahrenheit or 39.4° Celsius.difficulty with breathing or swallowing.Although croup is usually a simple illness to treat, severe cases require medical attention.ĭoctors recommend medical attention for children experiencing any of the following symptoms: The condition’s characteristics are often a hoarse, barking cough and fever, and it may also present as croup.Ĭroup is a contagious respiratory illness common among children. Symptoms of laryngitis in children can differ from symptoms in adults. A person should see a doctor if the symptoms persist for longer or present severely. The symptoms are likely to resolve without treatment by the seventh day of infection. If a person has one of these illnesses alongside laryngitis, they may experience some of the following symptoms: Throat infections, colds, or flu can occur alongside a case of laryngitis. Laryngitis often relates to other illnesses. If a person has laryngitis for more than 3 weeks, they should contact a doctor who can investigate the underlying cause. This suggests there is a more serious underlying cause. If symptoms last for more than 3 weeks, it is likely that the case has become chronic. These symptoms begin suddenly and often become more severe over the next 2–3 days. Laryngitis can cause a wide range of symptoms in adults, including:
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