LARYNGOSCOPY

The inside of the Larynx



Respiratory System STRUCTURE:
" Nasal Passages
" Pharynx
" Larynx
" Trachea, Bronchi, and Bronchioles
" Alveoli
" LUNGS
" RESPIRATORY REGULATION " HAZARDS
Diseases and Disorders:
" INTRODUCTION
" Aspergillosis
" Asthma
" Bronchal Adenoma
" Bronchitis
" Bronchiectasis
" Byssinosis
" Cough
" Emphysema
" Hantaviruses
" Hay Fever
" Laryngeal Cancer
" Laryngitis
" Lung Cancer
" Nasal Polyps
" Pneumonia
" Respiratory Failure
" Tuberculosis

Laryngoscopy - Definition

Laryngoscopy refers to a procedure used to view the inside of the larynx (the voice box).

Laryngoscopy - Description

The purpose and advantage of seeing inside the larynx is to detect tumors, foreign bodies, nerve or structural injury, or other abnormalities. Two methods allow the larynx to be seen directly during the examination. In one, a flexible tube with a fiber-optic device is threaded through the nasal passage and down into the throat. The other method uses a rigid viewing tube passed directly from the mouth, through the throat, into the larynx. A light and lens affixed to the endoscope are used in both methods. The endoscopic tube may also be equipped to suction debris or remove material for biopsy. Bronchoscopy is a similar, but more extensive procedure in which the tube is continued through the larynx, down into the trachea and bronchi.

Laryngoscopy - Preparation

Laryngoscopy is done in the hospital with a local anesthetic spray to minimize discomfort and suppress the gag reflex. Patients are requested not to eat for several hours before the examination.

Laryngoscopy - Aftercare

If the throat is sore, soothing liquids or lozenges will probably relieve any temporary discomfort.

Laryngoscopy - Risks

This procedure carries no serious risks, although the patient may experience soreness of the throat or cough up small amounts of blood until the irritation subsides.

Normal results

A normal result would be the absence of signs of disease or damage.

Abnormal results

An abnormal finding, such as a tumor or an object lodged in the tissue, would either be removed or described for further medical attention.

Laryngoscopy - Key Terms

Endoscopic tube
a tube that is inserted into a hollow organ permitting a physician to see the inside it.

World Health Organization

Laryngectomy

Laryngectomy is the partial or complete surgical removal of the larynx, usually as a treatment for cancer of the larynx.

Next: Laryngectomy

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy allows a doctor to examine inside your airway for any abnormality such as foreign bodies, bleeding, a tumor, or inflammation. The doctor uses either a rigid bronchoscope or flexible bronchoscope.

Next: Bronchoscopy

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that help open the bronchial tubes (airways) of the lungs, allowing more air to flow through them.

Next: Bronchodilators

Respiratory System

Respiratory System, in anatomy and physiology, organs that deliver oxygen to the circulatory system for transport to all body cells. Oxygen is essential for cells, which use this vital substance to liberate the energy needed for cellular activities.

Next: Respiratory System