Laryngismus - Larynx

laryngismus

(lăr″ĭn-jĭs′mŭs) [″ + -ismos, condition] Spasm of the larynx.

laryngitic

(lăr-ĭn-jĭt′ĭk) [Gr. larynx, larynx] Pert. to or resulting from laryngitis.

laryngitis

(lar″ĭn-jīt′ĭs) [laryngo- + -itis] Inflammation of the larynx. SEE: croup.

 acute l. Inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa and the vocal cords; acute congestive laryngitis. It is characterized by hoarseness and aphonia and occasionally pain on phonation and deglutition. It may be caused by improper use or overuse of the voice, exposure to cold and wet, infections in nose and throat, inhalation of irritating vapors and dust, or systemic diseases such as whooping cough or measles.

 TREATMENT: Treatment includes vocal rest, liquid or soft diet, steam inhalations, and codeine or nonnarcotic cough suppressants for pain and cough. If the laryngitis is viral, no specific therapy exists; if bacterial, appropriate antibiotics should be given.

 allergic l. Laryngitis due to inhaling dander, dust, molds, or pollen.

 atrophic l. Laryngitis leading to diminished secretion and atrophy of the mucous membrane. Symptoms are a tickling sensation in the throat, hoarseness, cough, and dyspnea when the crusts are thick and accumulate on the vocal cords, narrowing the breathing aperture. Inhalants and medicated sprays should be used to loosen the crusts, along with strict attention to associated nose and throat pathology.

 chronic l. Laryngitis caused by a recurrent irritation, or following the acute form. It is often secondary to sinus or nasal pathology, improper use of the voice, excessive smoking or drinking, or neoplasms. The patient experiences a tickling in the throat, huskiness of the voice, and dysphonia. The treatment is correction of the condition of the nose and throat, discontinuing alcohol and tobacco, and avoiding excessive use of the voice.

 contact l. Laryngitis due to inhalation of irritating aerosols, such as those that are present in tobacco smoke, paints, caustic cleansers, or inhaled medications.

 croupous l. Laryngitis occurring mainly in infants and young children and characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor.

 diphtheritic l. Invasion of the larynx by diphtheria, usually with formation of a membrane.

 mechanical l. Laryngitis due to direct trauma to the vocal folds or, more commonly, from straining the voice during coughing, singing, or public speaking.

 membranous l. Laryngitis characterized by inflammation of the larynx, with the formation of a false, nondiphtheritic membrane.

 posterior l. Reflux l.

 reflux l. Hoarseness, clearing of the throat, and alterations in voice quality thought to be due to injury to the posterior vocal folds by acid reflux. SYN: posterior l.

 l. sicca Loss of normal lubrication of the vocal folds as a result of ...