LARYNGITIS - THE SINGERS DISEASE
The word 'larynx' is derived from the ancient word larunx, which literally means sound producing box. Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx.

CHRONIC LARYNGITIS
Chronic laryngitis, is hoarseness of voice and at times complete loss of voice known as aphonia. The commonest cause of chronic laryngitis is an over use of voice, typically seen in singers, classroom teachers, preachers and of late also in stockbrokers. It may also occur as a complication of viral and bacterial infections of the throat. Chronic hoarseness of voice requires laryngoscopic investigation, which often reveals the presence of laryngeal nodes. Since, such nodes are commonly found in singers and teachers, they are often referred to as singer's nodes. Such nodes should always be investigated for more serious underlying conditions. An instrument called spectrogram studies voice production. A spectrographic analysis is a graphic display of the frequencies that make up a particular sound. It tells us what is wrong with voice production.

TREATMENT OF CHRONIC LARYNGITIS
Over the years, we have successfully treated a number of people including singers for laryngitis. Treatment of chronic laryngitis depends on the number of years a patient has suffered from it.

NEW DISEASE INVADES THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
According to a report published in a newspaper in Mumbai, in March 2003, the state government of Maharashtra issued an alert for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) at the Mumbai international airport and in all government medical colleges and hospitals. 15 countries reported 1,550 SARS cases, including 54 deaths, to the World Health Organisation. Many survivors recovered, though slowly and after being hospitalised for a long time. SARS was first reported in the Guangdong Province in China, close to Hong Kong last winter. It had infected about 800 people in the province. The virus spread to Hong Kong through one patient; a Chinese medical professor who was treating patients in Guangdong.