Throat Disorders

Infections of the Throat

One of the more common infections of the throat is pharyngitis—inflammation of the pharynx often referred to as “strep throat.” This disorder is so named because one of the most likely causative agents is the [Page 1661]Streptococcus species of bacteria. The classic streptococcal infection includes the well-known symptom complex of fever and painful swallowing (odynophagia). Although the condition is usually self-limiting, the possibility exists for potential complications including peritonsillar abscesses, scarlet fever, and or kidney problems if the condition is not adequately treated. Sore throat or pharyngitis is also seen as a complication of infection with viruses including infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus.

Children are especially susceptible to viral infections of the throat including croup caused by parainfluenza virus and epiglotitis (inflammation of the epiglottis) caused by Haemophilus influenza. Although the incidence of epiglotitis is decreasing thanks to the widespread immunization against influenza, sporadic case reports are still mentioned in the literature and represent a pediatric airway emergency when they occur. Laryngitis is an irritation and swelling of the vocal folds (voice box apparatus) and the area around it.

Other common infections of the throat include infections with fungi including Candida albicans in a condition known as thrush. Oral thrush can be seen in patients who take inhaled steroid medication for asthma or who have diabetes. Candidal infection can also involve the esophagus leading to inflammation (esopahagitis). Candida yeast, along with cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus are common causes of esopahagitis in people who are immunocompromised such as people with HIV.

Disorders of Phonation

The throat houses the larynx or voice box and thus disorders of the throat may lead to difficulties with voice. A voice may be termed disordered or dysphonic when the vocal quality of an individual is altered/changed in such a way that it is thought to be abnormal to the listener. Degenerative neurologic disease, vocal abuse and misuse, growths of vocal folds, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and asthma may all contribute to abnormalities in vocal cord function in the throat. Disorders of phonation may be the result of abnormal growths of tissue on the vocal cords, for example, vocal polyps. Vocal polyps are soft fluid filled growths that arise on the front portion of the vocal fold often brought on by vocal abuse (excessive shouting or singing) and manifest as hoarseness of voice. Persistent and progressive hoarseness coupled with other constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, fevers, and or weight loss may signal serious disease involving the throat and evaluation by an otolaryngologist is warranted.

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