Laryngitis

Acute infectious laryngitis

This is often a self-limiting disease. With adequate voice rest and hydration the voice will return to normal within days. Continued extensive voice use can result in injury to the true vocal folds and formation of pathologies. It may lead to the development of compensatory behaviour and can result in muscle tension dysphonia. Therefore, the patient needs to be counselled on the importance of voice rest and hydration.

Diphtheria

Patient age and immunisation status are important factors in terms of likely prognosis. Older adults and very young patients generally have a poorer prognosis, whereas past history of immunisation usually leads to a better prognosis. Any delay in administration of diphtheria antitoxin is more likely to result in associated toxic complications. Therefore, it is important to give diphtheria antitoxin as soon as possible.

Tuberculosis

Once appropriate treatment is started, laryngeal lesions should regress. If left untreated, progressing lesions can cause fibrosis, scarring, and, as a result, laryngeal stenosis. This may necessitate tracheotomy.