National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which of these is most characteristic of acute laryngitis?

1. Persistent cough

2. Hoarseness

3. Difficulty swallowing

4. Fever

The correct answer is: Hoarseness

Hoarseness is a hallmark symptom of acute laryngitis, resulting from inflammation of the larynx, which affects the vocal cords and alters voice quality. In acute laryngitis, the vocal cords may become swollen, leading to a raspy or husky voice. This change is primarily due to irritation or infection, which causes the lining of the larynx to become inflamed. While a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, and fever can occur in the context of an upper respiratory infection or other inflammatory conditions, these symptoms are not as specifically indicative of acute laryngitis as hoarseness is. Persistent cough may be present but is common in various respiratory issues, not solely laryngitis. Difficulty swallowing can occur if there is significant swelling, but it is not a defining characteristic. Fever can accompany many infections, including those affecting the larynx, but it is neither necessary nor specific to laryngitis itself. Thus, the overwhelming presence of hoarseness in acute laryngitis makes it the most characteristic symptom among the options provided.