Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral):

Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral):

Unilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

Unilateral laryngeal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the airway in one side of the larynx. It can affect the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis, depending on the location of the narrowing. Here are the details regarding causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of unilateral laryngeal stenosis:

Causes of Unilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

• The primary cause of laryngeal stenosis is the instrumentation of the airway for non-laryngeal and non-tracheal illnesses.
• Trauma to the larynx, such as a gunshot wound or other injury, can lead to unilateral laryngeal stenosis.
• Latrogenic trauma, which refers to trauma caused by medical procedures, has become the most common cause of laryngotracheal stenosis in adults.
• Ingesting caustic substances can result in laryngeal stenosis.
• The presence of foreign bodies in the larynx can cause narrowing and stenosis.
• Surgical procedures on the larynx can sometimes lead to laryngeal stenosis.
• Infections affecting the larynx can result in stenosis.

Symptoms of Unilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

• Narrowing of the airway can cause breathing difficulties, especially during physical exertion.
• Changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness, can be a symptom of unilateral laryngeal stenosis.
• Persistent or chronic coughing may occur due to the restricted airflow.
• Unilateral laryngeal stenosis can lead to a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound known as stridor.
• Difficulty swallowing may be present if the narrowing affects the subglottis.

Diagnosis of Unilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

• Physical examination

A thorough examination of the throat and larynx is performed to assess the presence of stenosis.

• Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may be used to visualize the narrowing and determine its extent.

• Laryngoscopy

A laryngoscopy procedure allows direct visualization of the larynx and can help identify the site and severity of the stenosis.

• Biopsy

A biopsy may be performed to rule out any underlying causes, such as cancer or infection.

Bilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

Bilateral laryngeal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the airway in both sides of the larynx. It can also affect the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis1. Here are the details regarding causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of bilateral laryngeal stenosis:

Causes of Bilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

• This is a chronic, recurrent, and fibroinflammatory condition that causes scarring and narrowing of the subglottic airway.
• Similar to unilateral stenosis, bilateral laryngeal stenosis can also be caused by iatrogenic trauma, which includes complications of endotracheal intubation.
• Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, and scleroderma can lead to bilateral laryngeal stenosis.
• Bacterial tracheitis, viral papillomatosis, and tuberculosis are examples of infections that can result in bilateral laryngeal stenosis.
• Tumors in the larynx or trachea can cause narrowing of the airway, leading to bilateral stenosis.

Symptoms of Bilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

• Bilateral laryngeal stenosis can cause significant breathing difficulties, especially during physical activity.
• The narrowing of the airway can result in a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound known as stridor.
• Changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness or a weak voice, may be present.
• Difficulty swallowing can occur if the narrowing affects the subglottis.
• The restricted airflow can make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Diagnosis of Bilateral Laryngeal Stenosis

• Physical examination

A thorough examination of the throat and larynx is performed to assess the presence of stenosis.

• Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may be used to visualize the narrowing and determine its extent.

• Laryngoscopy

A laryngoscopy procedure allows direct visualization of the larynx and can help identify the site and severity of the stenosis.

• Biopsy

A biopsy may be performed to rule out any underlying causes, such as cancer or infection.

Note: Or evaluate as aphonia (DC 6519).