What are the complications of acute laryngitis?
Laryngitis can, in rare cases, be complicated by a bacterial superinfection extending to the lungs and causing pneumonia. This should be suspected if the symptoms (cough and fever) persist or worsen despite appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
In adults, it is recommended to consult a doctor if the symptoms of laryngitis are long-lasting (for more than two weeks), or if there are frequent recurrences. In some cases, particularly in children, symptoms may become more severe and require hospitalization.
The diagnosis of laryngitis is most often made clinically by a simple examination by the doctor. The symptoms and the context help to make the diagnosis.
In the case of chronic laryngitis, the doctor performs an examination of the throat called laryngoscopy (visualization of the larynx with the help of a mirror and light).
If there is any doubt, a nasofibroscopy may be useful: this involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera into the nose and throat in order to detect signs of inflammation such as redness or swelling and to rule out other diagnoses.
Medical attention is essential if there are signs of aggravation, such as:
- Symptoms that persist despite a previous medical examination;
- Difficult, slow and noisy breathing;
- A worsening cough with fever.
If it’s a child, you should consult a doctor if there are any of the following signs:
- The child is less than six months old;
- High-pitched sounds when breathing;
- Salivates more than usual;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Difficulty breathing;
- A fever of over 103°F (39°C);
- Pale, fingers and lips turning blue;
- Irregular breathing;
- Struggles to breathe;
- Their heart is beating very fast;
- Restlessness, drowsiness, confusion, fainting.
