What Is the Larynx?

The larynx (from Gk. larynx = the upper windpipe) is an air passage carrying air from the pharynx to the trachea (Picture 1). It contains the vocal cords (folds), so it is also called the voice box.

Adjective form of the larynx is laryngeal, for example, laryngeal cancer.

NOTE: In practice, a term throat is often used for the larynx alone or the pharynx alone. However, the throat is composed of the pharynx, larynx and the upper parts of the esophagus and trachea.

Larynx Functions

• Control of the airflow during breathing
• Sound creation
• Prevents of air from escaping the lungs, for example, during weightlifting
• Protection of lungs against foreign objects

continue reading Larynx or Voice Box – Anatomy, Position, Function, Disorders

Uvulitis is the medical term for an inflamed uvula. The process of inflammation causes swelling of the uvula and this may also be accompanied by pain and redness. Since the uvula is a suspended organ, inflammation will cause it to hang down more than usual or even touch the tongue apart from its horizontal  expansion.

The uvula may swell for a number of reasons and this is usually associated with inflammation of the neighboring mouth and throat structures.

continue reading Swollen Uvula (Throat)

The uvula is the elongated hanging structure visible at the back of the throat. It is sometimes called the hanging ball in the throat and is suspended above the tongue.

continue reading Anatomy and Function of the Uvula

Dryness of the mouth is a common symptom and may only be temporary. However if a dry mouth persists to the extent that it causes discomfort or hampers daily functioning, the cause of the mouth dryness should be investigated as it may be a symptom of a medical condition or a side effect of a drug.

continue reading Dry Mouth – Causes, Effects, Symptoms, Treatment

Definition of Chronic Cough

A cough is a forceful ‘push’ of exhaled air that is either done voluntarily or as a reflex action (involuntary). A chronic cough is usually considered to be any cough that is persisting for more than 3 months. It may be constant, where the patient coughs every few minutes or it can be episodic, where a patient goes into a bout of coughing and it then subsides. A chronic cough is usually persistent because the cause of the cough may be a chronic disorder or the patient is constantly exposed to the same factors that may trigger the cough.

continue reading Causes of Chronic Cough – Persistent, Constant Coughing

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are compacted and calcified stones formed in the tonsillar crypts or crevices of the throat and most frequently in persons suffering from recurrent chronic tonsillitis. Most cases of tonsil stones do not hamper daily functioning or cause discomfort and a person may not  even know that they have a tonsil stone.

continue reading Tonsil Stones Removal & Pictures

Colors of Mucus  (Phlegm, Sputum)

Phlegm may be clear (white), yellow/green, brown, grey, black, pink, orange, containing red streaks, or frothy. 

Phlegm is mucus (sputum) coughed up from the chest. It reveals inflammation in the respiratory organs below the vocal cords (voice box, windpipe, bronchi and lungs). From the color and density of phlegm, and accompanying symptoms, its cause may be suspected.

continue reading Mucus: Causes of White, Yellow, Brown, Grey, Black Phlegm

What Is Phlegm?

Phlegm (pronounced flem; from Greek phlegma = inflammation) is an informal name for mucus coughed up from the throat. In this article, a term phlegm will be used only for mucus produced in the mucous layer of bronchi and windpipe (trachea). Medical term for phlegm is expectorated matter or sputum.

Phlegm appears as thick, jelly-like fluid of various colors and consistency, depending on the cause.

continue reading Coughing Up Excessive Phlegm (Mucus, Sputum) from the Throat

1. Nasal Congestion

A common cause of blocked nose in a baby is an infection or allergy resulting in nasal congestion with purulent or watery discharge.

2. Enlarged Adenoid Glands

Adenoid glands (pharyngeal tonsils) are located in the roof of the throat, behind the nose. They usually start to shrink after about age 5 and usually disappear until teenage years. Enlarged adenoid glands (adenoids) can be present from birth or can become temporary enlarged during an infection (adenoiditis), especially in early childhood. Symptoms are breathing through the mouth, snoring, difficult swallowing and throaty voice. When there is no infection, there is also no nasal discharge. A common complications are sinusitis and infection of the middle ear. If problems are constant, adenoids should be surgically removed (adenoidectomy). Sometimes adenoids are enlarged from no obvious reason and often shrink without treatment so pediatrician should be consulted about removal.

continue reading What Causes Blocked Nose in a Baby and Small Child?

What Is Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion, commonly called blocked or stuffy nose, refers to blockage of nasal passages caused by swelling of nasal mucous layer. Apart from nasal congestion, there are other causes of blocked nose.

Causes of Nasal Congestion

A cause of blocked nose may be suspected from symptoms, their duration, circumstances preceding blockage and effect of treatment trials. When the cause is not obvious, a doctor should be visited. Main causes include:

1. Infections
2. Allergies 
3. Non-allergic rhinitis: emotions, cigarette smoke, medications, irritant gases, hormones, pregnancy, drug addiction, spicy foods…
4. Poisoning

continue reading Stuffy Nose – Nasal Congestion