ABSTRACT
The larynx is also important for phonation and plays a key role in the Valsalva manoeuvre, which allows the elevation of intrathoracic pressure with subsequent ability to strain. This chapter provides an overview of the main pathophysiology of a number of different rare but important inflammatory disorders of the larynx and highlights recommendations for management strategies. Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystem, autoimmune, non-caseating, granulomatous, inflammatory disorder that preferentially affects the lungs and perihilar lymph nodes. It may also target numerous other sites including joints, skin, heart, nerves, eyes, nose and larynx. Idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the larynx is a diagnosis of exclusion for an isolated benign fibroinflammatory condition of unknown aetiology that affects the larynx. Due to the propensity for scarring, surgical intervention at the larynx can be controversial, with concern that surgical injury may potentiate further scarring and stricturing.
