Chronic tonsillitis may require surgical removal of the tonsils. Acute or chronic laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords. It may be caused by a local infection, or can be part of a bacterial or viral upper- respiratory infection. Symptoms include mild to severe hoarseness and even complete loss of the voice. Laryngitis may be accompanied by pain, a dry cough, malaise, swelling in the throat, and fever.
Treatment consists of resting the voice and taking analgesics and anesthetic throat lozenges.
If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are necessary. Hospitalization may be required if acute laryngitis is so severe that the airways become obstructed. Healthsquare is solely to be used as an informational resource and should never be used to replace contact with your licensed healthcare provider.