Laryngitis can also be secondary to post nasal drip and/or sinus infection and bacterial etiologies should be ruled out in a patient with nasal symptoms. Chronic laryngitis is the presence of laryngeal inflammatory symptoms including hoarseness, globus, pain, dysphagia, throat clearing, or cough lasting >3 weeks. Laryngitis can also be secondary to post nasal drip and/or sinus infection and bacterial aetiologies should be ruled out in a patient with nasal symptoms.

Understanding the Context

Chronic laryngitis is the presence of laryngeal inflammatory symptoms including hoarseness, globus, pain, dysphagia, throat clearing, or cough lasting >3 weeks. RSV commonly causes symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in people of all ages as well as bronchiolitis, viral pneumonia, and laryngitis (croup). [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Electron micrograph revealing the morphologic traits of the RSV CDC/Palmer EL; used with permission [Citation ends]. Extraesophageal symptoms include cough, laryngitis, asthma, or dental erosion.

Key Insights

[1] Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Laryngitis Laryngomalacia M Meniere disease Motion sickness Mucormycosis Mumps N Nasal polyps Non-allergic rhinitis O Obstructive sleep apnea in adults Oral candidiasis Oral leukoplakia Oral mucositis Orbital fractures Oropharyngeal cancer Otitis externa Otitis media with effusion Overview of vertigo P Paradoxical vocal fold motion ... Well-described syndrome with maculopapular rash, fatigability, fever, laryngitis, and malaise. Hepatosplenomegaly common.

Final Thoughts

Lymphocytosis on FBC. Positive heterophile antibody test usually diagnostic; may be false-negative in early stages of the illness. EBV antibody titres can help differentiate acute and chronic forms of EBV infection.