What is laryngitis, what causes it, and how should it be managed?
Apr 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Laryngitis is generally caused by factors such as diet, occupation, and infections, and targeted treatment should be based on the specific cause. Frequently consuming spicy foods like chili peppers, which contain capsaicin, may lead to laryngitis, as capsaicin can adhere to the throat mucosa over time and irritate it. It is recommended to avoid eating raw, cold, spicy, or irritating foods in daily life.
Laryngitis is generally caused by dietary factors, occupational factors, infections, and other causes. Targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
1. Dietary factors
Frequent consumption of spicy foods such as chili peppers, which contain capsaicin, may lead to prolonged adhesion of the substance to the laryngeal mucosa, irritating the mucosal lining and potentially triggering laryngitis. It is recommended to avoid cold, spicy, and irritating foods in daily life to prevent irritation of the throat.
2. Occupational factors
Patients whose occupations involve heavy voice use—such as teachers or singers—may experience long-term vocal cord friction, leading to damage of the pharyngeal mucosa. This makes the area more susceptible to bacterial invasion and results in throat swelling, causing the condition. Treatment may include medications such as budesonide suspension for inhalation, dexamethasone injection, or gentamicin injection, used under a doctor's guidance.
3. Infection
This condition is one of the common upper respiratory tract infections, usually accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat, redness, swelling, and itching. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications like cefdinir capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or roxithromycin capsules for treatment.
In addition to the above common causes, gastroesophageal reflux may also contribute. Patients are advised to avoid excessive voice use in daily life and drink plenty of water. A light diet is recommended, along with quitting smoking and alcohol to prevent further irritation and worsening of the condition.
