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Laryngitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Symptoms:

• Recent or current upper respiratory infection
• Hoarseness
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck

Signs and tests:

Physical examination is usually all that is needed to find out if hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.

Patients, especially smokers, with lasting hoarseness will need to see an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for tests of the throat and upper airway.

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

Rakel P, ed. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2007 . 59th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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