Laryngitis

Laryngitis describes inflammation of the larynx, and a variety of causes result in the presentation of common symptoms. Laryngitis may be acute or chronic, infective or inflammatory, an isolated disorder, or part of systemic disease, and often includes symptoms such as hoarseness. Commonly, laryngitis is related to an upper respiratory tract infection and can have a major impact on physical health, quality of life, and even psychological wellbeing and occupation if symptoms persist.1 Overall, laryngitis incorporates a cluster of non-specific laryngeal signs and symptoms that can also be caused by other diseases. Consequently diagnosis can be difficult and requires correlation of history, examination, and, if necessary, specialised assessment, including visualisation of the larynx and stroboscopy. Acute laryngitis is typically diagnosed and managed at the primary care level. In at risk populations, or those with persisting symptoms, referral to a specialist otolaryngologist should be considered. The aim of this review is to assist non-specialists in assessing and managing people with laryngitis and to identify the cohort that requires specialist input.