Laryngeal candidiasis in the outpatient setting

We present the largest case series on laryngeal candidiasis and review the literature on the diagnosis and management of laryngeal candidiasis.

Fifty-four patients were included in a retrospective chart review of all cases seen at the Pacific Voice Clinic, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, from 1995 to 2005.

The most common presenting symptom was dysphonia (37 patients; 69%). Forty-eight patients (89%) were on steroid inhalers, and four patients (7%) were on oral prednisone. In terms of anatomic involvement, 18 patients (33%) showed Candida involvement in all three anatomic locations: the hypopharynx, the supraglottis, and the glottis. In 15 patients (28%), the Candida was isolated to the glottis. The remaining patients showed subglottic and glottic involvement. Fifty-two patients (96%) were successfully treated with a single course of an oral antifungal.

The most common risk factor identified was inhaled steroids. Most often, laryngeal candidiasis is effectively treated with oral antifungal medications.