Chronic laryngitis

Defined as presence of laryngitis for more than three weeks (1).

The incidence of chronic laryngitis is not well established but has been estimated as 3.47 diagnoses per 1000 people per year. (2)

• is more common in males.
• may be predisposed to by: (3)
  • smoking
  • drinking spirits
  • voice overuse, e.g. by teachers, singers
  • chronic upper airway infection, e.g. sinusitis
  • tuberculosis
  • constant exposure to irritants
• clinical features
  • it is characterised by a hoarseness of voice that tires easily
  • throat may be uncomfortable and the patient may have to clear his throat constantly
  • on examination the cords are thickened and pink and the surrounding mucosa is often red and dry.
• treatment
  • is resting of the voice and steam inhalations, although this is often ineffective
  • underlying cause has to be removed (1)
  • usually settles in a week or two (1)

References:

1. Wood JM, Athanasiadis T, Allen J. Laryngitis. BMJ. 2014 Oct 9;349:g5827.
2. Stein DJ, Noordzij JP. Incidence of chronic laryngitis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2013 Dec;122(12):771-4.
3. Dworkin JP. Laryngitis: types, causes, and treatments. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2008 Apr;41(2):419-36.