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Laryngitis is caused almost 100% of the time by a
virus. The same viruses which cause the majority of simple upper
respiratory infections (colds, etc.) are responsible for laryngitis.
These include parainfluenzae virus, influenza virus, respiratory
syncytial virus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, and echovirus. Extremely
rarely, bacteria such as Group A streptococcus, M. catarrhalis, or
that which causes tuberculosis may cause laryngitis. In people with
faulty immune systems (particular due to acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome, or AIDS), infections with fungi may be responsible for
laryngitis.
Symptoms usually begin along with, or following,
symptoms of a cold. A sore, scratchy throat, fever, runny nose,
achiness, and fatigue may all occur. Difficulty swallowing sometimes
occurs with streptococcal infections. The patient may cough and
wheeze. Most characteristically, the patient's voice will sound
strained, hoarse, and raspy.
In extremely rare cases, the swelling of the
larynx may cause symptoms of airway obstruction. This is more common
in infants, because the diameter of their airways is so small. In
that case, the baby may have a greatly increased respiratory rate,
and exhibit loud high-pitched sounds with breathing (called stridor). |
