Dropsy of the Larynx.—This condition may occur in affections of the kidneys, and in purulent inflammation of the throat or of the tonsils. It may lead to death by suffocation unless an opening is made by incision into the windpipe.
Foreign Bodies in the Larynx.—Foreign bodies rarely enter the larynx. Small, rounded objects (as beads, coins, and buttons) usually pass into the windpipe or remain in the throat. Pointed objects (as fishbones, pins, and needles) stick to the sides of the trachea, and may lead to considerable difficulty of breathing. Their removal by a physician is often difficult, although usually possible. By the aid of long tubes it is even feasible to remove foreign bodies from the deeper branches of the windpipe, but as a rule it is necessary to make an opening by incision into the trachea. It is extremely risky to hold pins, nails, or other pointed objects between the lips, as they are very liable to pass into the trachea in consequence of a sudden cough or laugh. Children should be especially cautioned against doing so.
Syphilis of the Larynx.—The earliest symptom of syphilis in the larynx consists in the formation of mucous patches or in an attack of very pre sistent catarrh. At a more advanced stage of the disease the formation of gummatous tumours and membranous growths, which narrow the laryngeal space, is the chief manifestation. The character of the disease can he deter mined only by aid of the laryngoscope, and the only efficacious treatment is with mercury or iodide. Cases which are not recognised in time, or which are neglected, may lead to very severe narrowing of the laryngeal space, and may make it necessary for the patient to constantly Wear a tube in the throat.
Tuberculosis of the Larynx.—This is a disease which is as frequent as it is dreaded. The larynx is rarely the first place at which tuberculosis mani fests itself ; and involvement of this organ is generally an accompanying symptom of a long-existing pulmonary tuberculosis. The affection occurs as a result of the transmission of the tuberculosis-bacillus through the blood current ; sometimes also by infection through bacillus-containing sputum which may remain in the larynx for some time. Tuberculosis of the larynx
affects principally young adults. Advanced age is not exempt, however ; and in very rare cases children may be attacked also.
Obstinate hoarseness and, on longer duration, pain during swallowing and impairment of respiration are the manifestations of the disease. These are the results of infiltration in the vocal cords, the smooth borders of which appear corroded owing to tuberculous inflammation of the mucous mem brane and cartilages of the larynx. The air-passage is sometimes obstructed by swellings to such an extent that an incision must be made into the wind pipe in order to prevent suffocation. In rare cases tuberculosis of the larynx may manifest itself by the formation of a tumour without ulceration. If this he the case the tumour may be operated for like a polypus of the vocal cords.
Tuberculosis of the larynx is usually a chronic disease. which may last for years. Lack of proper treatment, bad air, early pains upon swallowing, insufficient nourishment, and a hereditary tendency to tuberculous affections hasten the distressing termination of the malady. The progress of the dis ease may often be retarded for years by an appropriate mode of living, and by having the larynx treated by a specialist, who will cauterise and scrape the affected parts. Complete cures are occasionally, though rarely, effected.
Tumours of the Larynx.—Various morbid growths may form in the larynx, but those of most frequent occurrence are benign in character. Po/vpus of the vocal cords causes permanent hoarseness. unaccompanied by pain or any other disturbances. Complete recovery takes place upon the operative removal of the growth, which a practised hand may accom plish easily and painlessly through the mouth. Sing,ers' nodules result from over-exertion, or from the use of wrong methods in singing. Warts frequently appear, also in children. They cause permanent hoarseness, and often respiratory difficulties. Cancer is malignant, and can be removed by a surgical operation only when recognised in time.
LAUDANUM.—See OPIUM.