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laryngitis, inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, because of a bacterial infection. Laryngitis is classified as simple, diphtheritic, tuberculous, and syphilitic laryngitis. The larynx is located directly above the windpipe (trachea) in the throat.
Simple laryngitis is usually an infection associated with the common cold or other infections. Nonbacterial agents such as chlorine gas, steam, or sulfur dioxide can cause severe inflammation. Usually the mucous membrane lining the larynx is the site of prime infection; it becomes swollen and filled with blood, secretes a thick mucous substance, and contains many inflammatory cells. The epiglottis is a plate of cartilage covered with mucous membrane that closes the larynx during the act of swallowing. When the epiglottis becomes swollen and infected by influenza viruses, the larynx can become obstructed, and suffocation may result. Chronic laryngitis is produced by excessive smoking, alcoholism, or overuse of the vocal cords. The mucous membrane becomes dry and covered with polyps, small lumps of tissue that project from the surface. The wall of the larynx may thicken and become inflamed. During a case oftyphoid fever, the lymphatic tissue in the larynx swells and there may be ulceration of the outer cartilage.
Diphtheritic laryngitis is caused by the spread of diphtheria from the upper throat region down to the larynx.
It may cause a membrane of white blood cells, fibrin (blood clotting protein), and diseased skin cells to attach and infiltrate the surface mucous membrane. They attach fairly solidly to the vocal cords, so that when looser portions of this false membrane becomes dislodged from part of the larynx it may consolidate at the vocal cords and cause an obstruction. A similar type of membrane covering can occur in streptococcal infections.
Tuberculous laryngitis is a secondary infection spread from the initial site in the lungs. Tubular nodule-like growths are formed in the larynx tissue. The bacteria die after infecting the tissue, leaving ulcers on the surface. The disease usually starts around the vocal cords and can be spread to the entire larynx. There may be eventual destruction of the epiglottis and laryngeal cartilage.
Syphilitic laryngitis is one of the many complications of syphilis. In the second stage of syphilis, sores or mucous patches can form; as the disease advances to the third stage, there is tissue destruction followed by healing and scar formation. Polyps can form at the site of the scarred areas. The scars can distort the larynx, shorten the vocal cords, and produce a permanent hoarseness of the voice.
Administration of antibiotics is the usual treatment.
