Laryngeal webbing is a vocal disorder which involves a “web” of tissue forming between the vocal folds. This tissue usually impedes phonation and causes difficulties with regular breathing. The web can occupy a large portion of the glottal opening, resulting in serious life-threatening complications. Laryngeal webbing is classically caused by infection or trauma to the throat. These irritations cause the margins of the vocal folds to become sore and exposed. As the folds heal, they fuse together and form a laryngeal web.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diagnosis:

 

    A laryngeal web is first diagnosed with the patient experiencing a range of hoarseness and shortness of breath. If these symptoms are following a recent laryngeal infection, trauma, or irritant of any sort, an ENT or laryngologist has reason to suspect laryngeal webbing. These suspicions can be confirmed with a routine laryngoscopy.