Acetic Acid Induced Laryngitis

Background and Objectives：Acetic acid is not uncommon suicidal material and it can cause serious laryngitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, proper management, and clinical course of laryngitis induced by acetic acid. Subjects and Method：We analyzed the medical records of 39 patients with acetic acid ingestion from 1996 to 2006, retrospectively. Results：Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed supraglottic laryngeal edema or mucosal ulcer with narrowed airway in 15 cases (38.5%). More common reason of ingestion was suicidal attempt than accidental exposure. There was no significant correlation between severity and the amount of ingestion, or the reason of ingestion. Eight patients needed orotracheal intubation for airway management, but no emergency tracheotomy was imperative. Most laryngeal lesions were relieved by supportive care within 2 weeks. Conclusion：Acetic acid laryngitis could narrow airway, and could be resolved by supportive management. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy was useful in evaluating laryngeal involvement and severity. (Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2008;51:1129-33)