Laryngitis
An inflammation of the larynx. Inflammation of the larynx is most often caused by viral infections. In these cases, other symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, and fever, generally occur. The voice changes may persist after the fever and other symptoms of acute infection have resolved. Laryngitis can also occur as a result of irritation to the vocal cords. People such as singers, cheerleaders, or even small children after bouts of screaming may find that they become hoarse or speak with a ‘gravelly’ voice after prolonged overuse. Environmental causes of irritation of the airway that can result in inflammation of the larynx include exposure to tobacco smoke or other chemicals.
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- Laryngitis, reflux
Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Reflux laryngitis is associated with chronic hoarseness and symptoms of esophageal irritation such as heartburn, chest pain, asthma, or the feeling of a foreign body in the throat (the globus phenomenon). This can lead to chronic throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, […]
- Laryngomalacia
An abnormally soft, floppy larynx (voice box).
- Laryngoscope
A flexible, lighted tube that is used to examine the inside of the larynx (voice box).
- Laryngoscopist
The word “laryngoscope” was compounded from “laryngo-” + the Greek “skopeo,” to inspect = to inspect the larynx. The word “larynx” is a direct borrowing from the Greek for the upper part of the airway.
- Laryngoscopy
Examination of the larynx (voice box), either with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or with a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).