Etiology

The same causes that produce pulmonary tuberculosis will cause this trouble. There must be the history of wrong life coming on for several years before. Children, however, who are born with the tubercular diathesis, and in whom this predisposition is marked, win not have to live many years in contempt of proper living before they develop tuberculosis in some part of the body. If there is a predisposition for the trouble to locate in the throat, it may start up in the larynx. Sometimes this disease of the throat starts up a few months before pulmonary tuberculosis develops. 'Then again the disease may be wholly confined to the throat, and carry a patient off in what is known as "galloping consumption."

Symptoms

The first indication is a huskiness. Following this is a hoarseness, which in turn is followed by a whisper. Patients get to the point where it is impossible for them to get the voice above a whisper. Where there are pulmonary symptoms it is a very easy matter to diagnose the disease. The history, and the build of the patient, together with marks of a predisposition to develop such diseases, are usually sufficient for a diagnosis.

Treatment

Rest the voice; build up the organism as much as possible. Patients should stay out in the fresh air and sunshine. The disease is not easily controlled; in fact, as in pulmonary tuberculosis, if there is inherited a decided predisposition for the disease, and the disease is well developed, palliation is all that can be given.