Laryngeal candidiasis in the outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVES

We present the largest case series on laryngeal candidiasis and review the literature on the diagnosis and management of laryngeal candidiasis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients were included in a retrospective chart review of all cases seen at the Pacific Voice Clinic, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, from 1995 to 2005.

RESULTS

The most common presenting symptom was dysphonia (37 patients; 69%). Forty-eight patients (89%) were on steroid inhalers, and four patients (7%) were on oral prednisone. In terms of anatomic involvement, 18 patients (33%) showed Candida involvement in all three anatomic locations: the hypopharynx, the supraglottis, and the glottis. In 15 patients (28%), the Candida was isolated to the glottis. The remaining patients showed subglottic and glottic involvement. Fifty-two patients (96%) were successfully treated with a single course of an oral antifungal.

CONCLUSION

The most common risk factor identified was inhaled steroids. Most often, laryngeal candidiasis is effectively treated with oral antifungal medications.