Diseases of the larynx and throat | Here is comprehensive information about the most common diseases and their symptoms
Diseases affecting the larynx and throat vary between infections and tumors, and they are among the common diseases that patients are exposed to with all symptoms.
The throat area is the link between the back of the mouth, nose, trachea, and esophagus. It is also called the pharynx. The trachea begins with the larynx, which contains the vocal cords.
The most famous diseases that affect the throat and larynx.. and what are their symptoms?
Diseases of the throat and larynx are common diseases, most of which are simple, and the patient recovers completely within a few days. Most diseases of the larynx and throat are accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, fever, or coughing. Swelling may appear in the lymph nodes in the neck.
When you feel any of the previous symptoms, you should consult an ENT doctor. Among the most common diseases that affect the throat or larynx are:
● GERD (Acid reflux) :
Acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic stomach disease that is accompanied by a feeling of heartburn, pain, and reflux of stomach fluids into the esophagus and may reach the throat. These fluids cause sore throats and larynxes. The most effective ways to treat it are to change bad eating habits, exercise, get rid of excess weight, quit smoking and avoid stress.
Over-the-counter antacids taken immediately after meals may help reduce stomach acids and relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
● Hoarseness of voice :
The sound is produced as a result of the movement of the vocal cords inside the larynx, and the person gets hoarseness if there is inflammation in the larynx or growths above the vocal cords, so the tone and nature of the voice changes.
With most patients, home remedies, rest, and herbal intake succeed in treating hoarseness, but if it lasts for more than three weeks and is not accompanied by symptoms of cold and flu, and difficulty swallowing or breathing appears, then one should go to an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
● Throat cancer :
Tumors that develop in the throat, larynx, vocal cords, or tonsils are called throat cancer. Smoking and drinking alcohol increase your chances of developing various types of throat and neck cancer.
Symptoms initially appear as chronic cough or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or lumps in the neck, neck or ear pain, body balance disturbances, and dizziness.
The treatment plan for throat cancer depends on the size of the tumor, its location, and the extent to which it has spread to other organs of the body. Treatment varies between radiation therapy, surgical intervention, or chemotherapy, and in some cases a combination of the three is required.
● Sleep apnea :
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that occurs repeatedly during sleep, and occurs as a result of two main causes: obstructive sleep apnea; It occurs as a result of the relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep, which causes obstruction and narrowing of the airway. The other type is central apnea; It occurs as a result of the brain’s failure to control and regulate breathing during sleep.
● Tonsillitis : _
The tonsils are an important part of the body’s immune system, as they capture bacteria and viruses, prevent them from entering the body, and activate the immune system to produce appropriate antibodies to fight them.
Tonsillitis causes many symptoms, such as redness of the throat, the appearance of a white or yellow layer over the tonsils, and other symptoms such as high body temperature, pain and difficulty swallowing, coughing, and headache.
Antibiotics, such as penicillin, are prescribed to treat tonsillitis, and the viral infection usually clears up within four to seven days. In the event of recurring inflammation, surgical removal may be required, and sometimes the adenoids as well.
Sources
Throat Disorders | Effective Health Care (EHC) Programme
Throat Problems | Pharyngeal Disorders | MedlinePlus
The most common throat diseases – Global Care Hospital
Throat diseases | healthdirect
Throat Disorders | Types of Throat Diseases & Symptoms
Sore throat causes & treatments – Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform