Objectives

• To determine the body parts that are affected due to the common flu
• To evaluate the relationship between the allergens associated with one body system to another
• The latest trends and news with the help of case reports  

Definition

Laryngitis is a condition that causes inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the voice box also called the larynx.

The larynx is located in the thyroid, the neck, and the upper respiratory tract. The larynx contains two vocal cords, lined with a mucous membrane, that vibrate to produce the sound that allows us to communicate. When we breathe, the inhalation and exhalation process impacts the larynx, and when in the presence of allergens, infection can occur.

Swallowing can also affect the mucous membrane when the food intake is difficult in galloping or the intake has any parasitic infections or injuring the larynx.

An Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) includes organs such as the nose, mouth, throat, pharynx, larynx, sinuses, and trachea (windpipe).

The airway entry from the nose to the respiratory chest cavity into the trachea to the alveoli is prone to many bacterial and viral infections that can cause symptoms such as a sore throat.

Signs and symptoms

• Swelling of the throat, sometimes with visible white patches on the tonsils
• Nasal congestion and runny nose
• Loss of taste and smell
• Dry persistent cough
• Mild to high fever depending on the severity of the infection
• Temporary loss of hearing
• Pain in the face and forehead
• A constant urge to spit to clear the throat of mucus

Causes

The common cold is the main reason for upper respiratory infections. Laryngitis is also caused by various factors among which viral, bacterial, and environmental factors: such as pollution, smoke, dust, and pollen are mainly responsible.

Viral pathogens enter the nasal cavity through the respiratory system leading to inflammation in all upper respiratory organs.

Viral Infections such as the influenza virus, rhinovirus, and COVID-19 are responsible for bringing flu infection causing laryngitis directly affecting the upper respiratory organs.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination of facial appearance
• Throat and tongue examination: With the help of a torch, tongue papillae will show some difference in regular colour with red or white dots visible.
• An X-ray may be necessary for severe coughs, heavy chest congestion, and breathing difficulties
• Laryngoscopy is suggested for smokers or professional factory workers who have undertaken work in the presence of harmful dust.

Risk factors

Children, only a few months old, and the elderly, are at higher risk of infection. Children, especially, may keep touching surfaces and put their hands in their mouths without cleaning them.

A common cold is easily propagated through the air so the infected person can spread it through coughing, sneezing, and standing too close when talking.

A weak immune system and past diseases such as lung infections, throat injury due to overuse of voice box, food that causes inflammation, and GERD can be at risk of being prone to upper respiratory infections.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are given to prevent bacterial and viral growth
• Immune booster vitamins over the counter are suggested
• Nutritional and dietary supplements are taken
• Antihistamines to prevent allergies are given timely
• Voice rest and avoiding talking is the best way to get relief from pain
• Inhalation of humidifier
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol drinking

Observations

The main upper respiratory infections are laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and common cold. Though they show common symptoms, the affected region may differ.

• Laryngitis is the inflammation of the voice box also known as the larynx.

Pharyngitis is a swelling of the pharynx behind the throat and tonsils on both sides of the thyroid gland causing oedema called tonsillitis.

Rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction due to pollen or dust that affects the nasal cavity and the eyes.

The common cold, and flu, can cause a blockage of the nose and is shown by redness on the tip of the nose and, further, through fatigue.

Inflammation of the sinus, commonly known as sinusitis, can cause mucus to drip from the nose due to the blockage of the nose, whilst also causing headache and face pain.

Conclusion

• Upper respiratory infections are usually recurrent infections, more frequently among children
• Symptoms, that are most often observed are persistent coughing, runny and watery nose, sneezing, and throat ache. Sometimes mild fever is also shown, as the immune system fights against the infection - these infections usually resolve without the need for intervention
• Pain relievers can help manage the symptoms, you can be prescribed these from an appointment with a doctor, usually after a physical examination
• Have plenty of fluids and take as much rest as you need. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, do not delay consultation with a health expert for further medications

Case study

A rare case of chronic laryngitis of a 41-year-old man was reported in Brazil.

Prolonged coughing and lesions in the throat for nearly 1 year, a bacterial species was observed in the bronchoscopy specimen i.e., Para- coccidioidomycosis.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis species. were native to the soil of Central and South America, predominantly in Brazil and many of the residents were suffering from acute to chronic coughing and were immune to it.

Few also died from chronic laryngitis causing severe failure of the respiratory tract. Recently the immunosuppressant was introduced for the same and various studies were done on the immigrants native to these countries and common tests were performed routinely to avoid severity range and propagation to other regions.

Keywords:  upper respiratory infection, laryngitis, allergy, immune system, cold and flu, risk factors.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common symptoms observed in upper respiratory infections in children?

• Runny nose
• Avoiding eating and drinking
• Nausea and weakness

Are all respiratory infections contagious?

Yes, all respiratory infections are contagious as they are caused by airborne factors.

What are the main organs involved in URTI?

Nose, thorax cavity, and chest.

Who is most affected by URTI?

Children are more susceptible to URTI.

Are lung-infected or preexisting disease people prone to URTI?

Chronic laryngitis that lasts more than 2 weeks or a year or has collapsed a partial lung is more often infected with URTI.

Is laryngitis upper respiratory or lower respiratory?

Laryngitis is an infection of the larynx located in the thyroid cavity which is the upper respiratory system.

Which is the common test performed to examine URTI?

Physical examination of thyroid and X-ray.

Which food intake can cause the severity of URTI?

Spicy, pungent food increases inflammation.

How to control constant coughing especially while traveling?

Wear a mask and intake lozenges or cough syrup also sometimes honey is the best home remedy.

Can pneumonia cause laryngitis?

Yes, patients with pneumonia are prone to have laryngitis frequently.