Q and A - Arthritis of the larynx (cricoarytenoid arthritis)

[Guest guest]

MayoClinic.com

Ask an arthritis specialist

Arthritis of the larynx (cricoarytenoid arthritis)

Question:

Is it possible to have arthritis of the larynx since it doesn't have

any joints?

Answer:

Your voice box (larynx) does have joints (cricoarytenoid joints). They're

responsible for tightening your vocal cords to vary the tone and pitch of

your voice. Approximately 50 percent to 75 percent of people with rheumatoid

arthritis (RA) have inflammation of these joints. It typically causes no

signs or symptoms. But about 25 percent of people with RA affecting the

cricoarytenoid joints have:

Sore throat

Hoarseness

Sense of fullness or discomfort that worsens with speaking or

swallowing

Breathing difficulties

A doctor may confirm a diagnosis by:

Laryngoscopy, a procedure that allows your doctor to visually examine

your vocal cords

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Treatment is directed at the underlying RA.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/AN01030

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org