Treatment is often supportive in nature, and depends on the severity and type of<unk>  (acute or chronic). General measures to relieve symptoms of<unk>  include behaviour modification, hydration and humidification. Vocal hygiene (care of the voice) is very important to relieve symptoms of<unk> . Vocal hygiene involves measures such as: resting the voice, drinking sufficient water, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, stopping smoking and limiting throat clearing. Acute<unk>  In general, acute<unk>  treatment involves vocal hygiene, painkillers (analgesics), humidification, and antibiotics. Viral The suggested treatment for viral<unk>  involves vocal rest, pain medication, and mucolytics for frequent coughing. Home remedies such as tea and honey may also be helpful. Antibiotics are not used for treatment of viral<unk> . Bacterial Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial<unk> , especially when symptoms of upper respiratory infection are present. However, the use of antibiotics is highly debated for acute<unk> . This relates to issues of effectiveness, side effects, cost, and possibility of antibiotic resistance patterns. Overall, antibiotics do not appear to be very effective in the treatment of acute<unk> . In severe cases of bacterial<unk> , such as supraglottitis or epiglottitis, there is a higher risk of the airway becoming blocked. An urgent referral should be made to manage the airway. Treatment may involve humidification, corticosteroids, intravenous antibiotics, and nebulised adrenaline. Fungal Fungal<unk>  can be treated with oral antifungal tablets and antifungal solutions. These are typically used for up to three weeks and treatment may need to be repeated if the fungal infection returns. Trauma<unk>  caused by excessive use or misuse of the voice can be managed though vocal hygiene measures. Chronic<unk>  Reflux Laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment primarily involves behavioural management and medication. Behavioural management involves aspects such as * Wearing loose clothing * Eating smaller, more frequent meals * Avoiding certain foods (e.g. caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods) Anti-reflux medications may be prescribed for patients with signs of chronic<unk>  and hoarse voice. If anti-reflux treatment does not result in a decrease of symptoms, other possible causes should be examined. Over-the-counter medications for neutralizing acids (antacids) and acid suppressants (H-2 blockers) may be used. Antacids are often short-acting and may not be sufficient for treatment. Proton pump inhibitors are an effective type of medication. These should only be prescribed for a set period of time, after which the symptoms should be reviewed. Proton pump inhibitors do not work for everyone. A physical reflux barrier (e.g. Gaviscon Liquid) may be more appropriate for some. Antisecretory medications can have several side-effects. When appropriate, anti-reflux surgery may benefit some individuals. Inflammatory When treating allergic<unk> , topical nasal steroids and immunotherapy have been found to be effective for allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines may also be helpful, but can create a dryness in the larynx. Inhaled steroids that are used for a long period can lead to problems with the larynx and voice. Autoimmune Mucous membrane pemphigoid may be managed with medication (cyclophosphamide and prednisolone). Granulomatous Sarcoidosis is typically treated with systemic corticosteroids. Less frequently used treatments include intralesional injections or laser resection.
Laryngitis
Croup
Pharyngitis
Epiglottitis
Sinusitis
Laryngeal cancer
Tonsillitis
Rhinosinusitis