There are two types of laryngitis:
- Acute laryngitis is the most common. It appears suddenly and generally lasts for less than 3 weeks.
- Chronic laryngitis appears when its acute form is mistreated. Symptoms can last longer than 3 weeks and can be more severe.
Laryngitis is a common ENT condition in children and babies. It often follows an episode of rhinopharyngitis and occurs mainly between the ages of 1 and 3, slightly more often in boys than in girls. At this age it is called croup. It happens because the larynx is narrower in children than in adults, and the mucous tissue covering it tends to swell more easily. The disease is caused by a virus (usually a parainfluenza virus) or bacteria, which is less common. It can happen all year round, but is usually more common in the autumn and spring.
Transmission
It is a highly contagious disease transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected person, such as airborne droplets let out by coughing or sneezing, contact with the person’s hands, or objects touched by them. It is advised to be very careful and avoid contact. The period of contagion lasts as long as the respiratory tract produces secretions that cause coughing, sneezing and a runny nose.
