LARYNX

Reinke’s Oedema

It is accumulation of fluid under the epithelium of true vocal cords.

Causes

Allergy, infection, tobacco, chronic sinusitis are major contributing factors.

Clinical features
  • Age: Between 30 and 60 years.
  • Common in males.
  • On examination: Vocal cords are red and swollen.
  • Polypoidal projection from vocal cords.
  • Stridor can be present with dry cough.

Treatment In all cases patient is advised to take:
  • Voice rest.
  • Steam inhalation.
  • Speech therapy for proper voice production.
  • Oral steroids in tapering doses.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Microlaryngoscopy with stripping of vocal cords done in Reinke’s Oedema.
  • Antihistaminics given in allergic angioneurotic oedema.
  • In severe cases, subcutaneous injection of adrenalin (1:1000) can be given.
  • Intravenous injection of C1-esterase inhibitor 36000 unit given in acute and long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioneurotic oedema.
  • Fibrinolytic inhibitor and Epsilon Amino Caproic Acid can be given in long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioneurotic oedema.
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