[Chronic laryngitis in adults].

BACKGROUND

Chronic laryngitis is a lingering inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, caused by specific aetiology and often irritative factors.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss clinic and therapeutic aspects of the pathology.

METHODS

We report a retrospective stuy about 25 patients treated and followed for non specific chronic laryngitis over a period of 11 years (1994-2004).

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 54.2 years. Tobacco intoxication was noted in 72.7 of cases and Gastroesophageal reflux in 2 cases. The endoscopic examination of laryngeal lesions, realised in all cases, notes laryngeal keratosis in 88% of cases and congestive laryngitis in 12%. Histological analysis of the lesions reveals a dysplasia in 44% of cases. Clinical and endoscopic follow up of the patients discover malignant development in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of chronic laryngitis is based on the suppression of etiologic factors and on laryngeal microsurgery with micro instruments and with laser techniques.