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Otolaryngology (ENT)11 papers

Acute laryngitis

Last edited: 4/16/2026

Overview

Acute laryngitis involves inflammation of the larynx, often caused by viral infections, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, and cough 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Hoarseness, sore throat, cough, and occasionally dysphagia 1.
  • Physical Examination: Inspect vocal cords for erythema, edema, and vocal fold immobility 1.
  • Laryngoscopy: May be necessary for definitive diagnosis, especially in recurrent cases 1.

    • Management

  • Supportive Care: Rest voice, hydration, and over-the-counter analgesics for pain relief 1.
  • Avoid Irritants: Minimize smoking, alcohol, and irritants like spicy foods 1.
  • Antibiotics: Generally not indicated unless bacterial infection is suspected (e.g., Streptococcus) 1.

    • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Management similar to adults, focusing on hydration and voice rest 1.
  • Recurrent Cases: Single episode of quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) does not warrant routine tonsillectomy despite potential increased recurrence risk 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Supportive measures are sufficient for most cases of acute laryngitis without specific antimicrobial therapy unless bacterial infection is confirmed (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Tonsillectomy is not routinely recommended following a single episode of quinsy due to relatively low recurrence rates (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use in viral laryngitis to prevent resistance (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).

    • References

    1 Harris WE. Is a single quinsy an indication for tonsillectomy?. Clinical otolaryngology and allied sciences 1991. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Is a single quinsy an indication for tonsillectomy? — Harris WE Clinical otolaryngology and allied sciences (1991)
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