Pollution, Everyday Allergens, May Be Sources Of Laryngitis

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking;  Allergy;  Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 23 Sep 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Everyday exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, allergens, and air pollution may be the root of chronic cases of laryngitis, says new research presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, IL.

Laryngitis symptoms include hoarseness of the voice, cough, and chronic clearing of the throat. Researchers and physicians generally attribute laryngitis to a viral infection and overuse of the voice. Other factors, including consistent exposure to second-hand smoke, have also been cited as a trigger.

Researchers have now found through animal models that exposure to different environmental pollutants, including dust mites and everyday air pollution, can cause what they term as "environmental laryngitis."

The findings are significant, given recent reports on diminishing air quality and increased unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution, especially in countries like China, which could lead to more cases of laryngitis and chronic laryngitis.

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Title: Effect of Allergens and Tobacco Smoke on Laryngeal Mucosa
Presenters: Peter C. Belafsky, MD, PhD, MPH (presenter); Debbie A. Mouadeb, MD; Kent Pinkerton, MD; Martin A. Birchall, FRCS; Thomas Konia, MD
Date: September 22, 2008

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org/), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."

Source: Jessica Mikulski
American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery

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