Antibiotics for acute laryngitis in adults
Ludovic Reveiz1, Andrés Felipe Cardona
1Free time independent Cochrane reviewer, Potomac, MD, USA.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 24, 2015
Summary
Antibiotics show limited effectiveness for acute laryngitis, with no significant impact on objective voice scores. While some subjective improvements in voice and cough were noted with erythromycin and fusafungine, the overall benefits may not outweigh risks and resistance concerns.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute laryngitis is a prevalent global condition often diagnosed clinically.
- Current treatments primarily focus on symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antibiotic therapies for acute laryngitis in adults.
- To document adverse event rates associated with these treatments.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, BIOSIS) up to December 2014.
- Included three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antibiotics to placebo for acute laryngitis.
- Primary outcome was objective voice assessment; secondary outcomes included subjective symptoms and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Three RCTs with 351 participants were included, all with moderate to high risk of bias and very low evidence quality.
- Penicillin V showed no significant difference compared to placebo for objective or subjective outcomes.
- Erythromycin demonstrated subjective benefits for voice disturbance and cough, while fusafungine showed a potential increase in early clinical cure rates compared to no treatment.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics lack significant efficacy for objective outcomes in acute laryngitis.
- Modest subjective benefits for voice and cough may occur with certain antibiotics, but evidence quality is low.
- Methodological limitations of included RCTs suggest that potential benefits may not justify costs, side effects, or antimicrobial resistance concerns.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
612
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
612
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
6.1K
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
6.1K
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
15.6K
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
15.6K
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
1.1K
The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
1.1K
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
725
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
725
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
1.0K
Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
1.0K