DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Larynx symptoms

Why: to determine if acute or chronic. If larynx symptoms are acute it usually suggests a viral upper respiratory tract infection but laryngitis, simple strain due to occupation or rarely laryngeal diphtheria may be responsible.

Why: e.g. weak cry in a baby, hoarseness of the voice, stridor (high pitched noisy respiratory noise which is a sign of obstruction of the larynx), poor cough.

Why: intermittent symptoms may suggest myasthenia gravis, urticaria (hives), occupational strain, reflux oesophagitis, tobacco and alcoholism.

Why: e.g. steroid inhalers may cause oropharyngeal thrush and hoarseness.

Why: to determine if overuse of the voice may be a possible cause of larynx symptoms e.g. singers, auctioneers.

Why: to determine risk of lung and laryngeal cancer.

Why: alcohol abuse may increase the risk of laryngeal tumors.

Why: may suggest laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer.

Why: e.g. tiredness, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, slight fever, cough, headache.

Why: e.g. often occurs in association with a viral upper respiratory tract infection, hoarse voice, barking cough, pain with swallowing.

Why: e.g. cough, chest pain, wheezing, blood stained sputum, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, tiredness, weight loss. May be paralysis of the vocal cords and consequent hoarseness if lung cancer is in apex of the lung.

Why: e.g. burning discomfort behind the sternum (breastbone) that radiates to the throat, associated with acid reflux, aggravated by heavy meals, swallowing hot and cold fluids, stooping, lying flat and lifting and straining, more likely to occur at rest than with exertion. May be complicated by chronic throat pain, hoarseness and cough, especially on waking.

Why: e.g. persistent hoarseness, difficulty and pain with swallowing, "lump in the throat", change in voice quality.