Laryngitis

Background

• a common and self-limited inflammatory condition lasting less than three weeks,
• usually associated with either an upper respiratory tract infection or acute vocal strain

Causative Agents

• Viral (most)
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Hemophilus influenzae
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Clinical Features

• Hoarseness resulting from an upper respiratory tract infection
• Often associated with rhinorrhea, cough, and mild sore throat

Differential Diagnosis

• Acute vocal strain (e.g. screaming or protracted coughing)

Workup

• Clinical diagnosis

Management

• Self-limited

Disposition

• Home

See Also

• Croup