Laryngitis (cont.)
How is laryngitis diagnosed?
The health care practitioner can often diagnose laryngitis
quickly at the doctor's office. The history of upper respiratory tract infection
associated with loss of voice is reinforced by the patient answering questions
in a hoarse voice. The examination is often brief and limited to the ears, nose,
and throat, looking for other potential causes of the cold-like symptoms. If the
throat is red and there is a concern about a strep throat in addition to the
laryngitis, a throat swab for a strep screen may be done.
If the hoarse voice is more chronic, the health care practitioner may want to
take a more detailed history, accessing reasons why the larynx and vocal cords
have become inflamed for a prolonged period of time.
Questions may be asked about:
Most causes of laryngitis need no testing to confirm the
diagnosis. In those
patients with chronic laryngitis, the necessity for blood tests, X-rays and
other diagnostic tests will depend upon the patient presentation and the
potential concerns that the health care practitioner has regarding the cause of the
hoarseness.
Laryngoscopy is the most common test performed to look directly at the vocal
cords and evaluate their function. Using a thin tube containing a lighted
fiberoptic camera inserted through the nose into the back of the throat, an
otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) can see whether the vocal
cords are inflamed, if there are any polyps or nodules growing on them, and if
they move appropriately with breathing and speaking.
Next: What is the treatment for laryngitis? »
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