Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx), which usually causes the voice to sound hoarse. It can even make some people lose their voice completely. When vocal cords work normally, they open and close smoothly and make sound through vibration. But when they are inflamed and swollen, the sounds produced are distorted, causing the voice to sound hoarse or weak. It can be temporary or chronic depending on the cause and treatment. Most cases of laryngitis are treatable, with recovery often occurring within a few weeks. Chronic laryngitis may require longer-term management.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ba83026a-7a33-499b-8c83-f3d46ace7c15
Types of Laryngitis Types Laryngitis is categorized based on how long it lasts and what’s causing it. Acute Laryngitis This is the most common type of laryngitis and typically lasts for a few days to a week. It often comes with a sore throat , and it’s usually caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu . Chronic Laryngitis Chronic laryngitis lasts for more than three weeks and is usually linked to irritants like smoking, acid reflux , or ongoing infections. It is usually painless and has no significant signs of infection.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629007cedbe-fe26-4adb-9701-364df37bc0df
Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis Symptoms Acute laryngitis symptoms can vary in severity. These may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298d9be0a2-82d5-48cd-b38c-8998e1b14ce3 Hoarseness or a loss of voice Sore throat or scratchy feeling Dry throat and difficulty swallowing Coughing Fatigue or general discomfort The most common symptom of chronic laryngitis is hoarseness. Other symptoms may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762950527759-8233-47f4-969d-0c237bdb2c4d Low, raspy voice Voice that easily breaks or cracks A lump-in-the-throat sensation Dry throat Constant urge to clear the throat Heavy mucus Pain with swallowing Chronic cough or postnasal drip
Causes and Risk Factors of Laryngitis Causes Laryngitis can be caused by several factors, including infections, irritants, and certain lifestyle habits. Causes of Acute Laryngitis Some common causes of acute laryngitis include: Viral infections such as the common cold or flu Bacterial infections, although those are less common Vocal strain from excessive talking, shouting, or singing Causes of Chronic Laryngitis Chronic laryngitis is usually caused by exposure to irritants over a period of time, leading to vocal strain, injuries, or growths on the vocal cords, which are called polyps or nodules. The most common causes of chronic laryngitis include: Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke Acid reflux where stomach acid irritates the throat (also called GERD ) Allergies or environmental irritants like dust or chemicals Consistent overuse of voice (as in teachers or performers) Less commonly, chronic laryngitis can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections or infections with certain parasites. Cancer , vocal cord paralysis, and bowing of vocal cords (caused by aging or paralysis) can also cause chronic laryngitis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629abaec887-1bbf-4247-baba-c670c36ae9fc
How Is Laryngitis Diagnosed? Diagnosis To diagnose laryngitis, a healthcare provider typically begins with a physical exam that includes a review of your symptoms. If the symptoms are chronic, a review of medical history and additional tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause. Common diagnostic procedures include: Laryngoscopy A doctor may use a small camera to view the vocal cords and throat for signs of inflammation. Throat Culture If a bacterial infection is suspected, a throat swab may be taken to test for bacterial growth. Biopsy If there is a small nodule or lump on the vocal cords, a small piece of tissue may be taken and sent to the lab for analysis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940a9a4d8-e348-4906-a7e0-ea631685d21e
Treatment and Medication Options for Laryngitis Treatment Treatment for laryngitis typically focuses on alleviating symptoms and addressing any underlying causes. Most cases of acute laryngitis that are caused by a cold or other minor infection probably don’t need treatment. Laryngitis caused by something else may need treatment, depending on the underlying cause. Medication Options Some cases of laryngitis may be treated with one or more of the following medications.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f8e39add-b155-4270-bb69-0a4dc8d5a694 Pain Relievers Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve throat pain. Corticosteroids In cases of severe inflammation, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling. They’re usually only prescribed when there is an urgent need to treat. Antibiotics Most cases of laryngitis are caused by a virus, and so antibiotics aren’t effective. But if a bacterial infection is the cause, antibiotics may be necessary. Surgery Surgery is not typically required for laryngitis unless there is an underlying structural issue, such as vocal cord nodules, cysts, polyps or tumors, causing prolonged symptoms. This type of surgery can be performed with tiny surgical instruments, called microsurgery, or vocal cord laser surgery. Voice rest and voice therapy are often necessary after surgery.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ffa11479-30b3-4a52-8e85-93cf95176e1c Voice Therapy Voice therapy may help treat hoarseness and laryngitis. Trained speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and voice coaches use breathing exercises, tension release exercises, and voice building exercises to help strengthen the voice.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d7214214-64af-4db3-addc-a76f1e80e5a5 Home Remedies Steps you can take on your own to ease the sore throat that comes with acute laryngitis include: Use a humidifier Use a portable nebulizer (available over the counter) with saline solution Gargle with salt watere60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629de9cceea-18e9-4c94-8bd4-d3c3683976a2 Suck on hard candies, ice chips, or ice pops Drink warm fluids, like tea or soup
Prevention of Laryngitis Prevention While some cases of laryngitis are unavoidable, there are several ways to reduce your risk: Avoid smoking. Don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently to prevent infections. Don’t clear your throat. Clearing your throat makes the vocal cords vibrate abnormally, which can cause swelling and make the throat more irritated. Limit vocal strain. If you use your voice a lot, give your vocal cords regular breaks. Don’t whisper, as that can further strain the voice box.
Lifestyle Changes for Laryngitis Lifestyle Changes A few lifestyle adjustments such as the following can help you manage laryngitis or prevent future flare-ups: Avoid acidic foods. Spicy, acidic, and fatty foods can trigger reflux and worsen laryngitis. If laryngitis is reflux-related, your doctor may recommend medicines for acid reflux. Avoid eating big meals. For laryngitis caused by acid reflux, it may help to eat several small meals instead of one or two big meals. Don’t lie down for at least three hours after eating, especially if it’s a big meal. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist.
How Long Does Laryngitis Last? Prognosis and Outlook The duration of laryngitis depends on the type and cause. In most cases, acute laryngitis will last a week or two. Symptoms that last more than three weeks could mean chronic laryngitis, which may continue until the underlying cause is addressed. This would be a good time to see your doctor. In some cases, laryngitis may require ongoing management.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762979a4afbd-dcca-47b3-a080-8d31ba28a414
Complications of Laryngitis Complications Most cases of laryngitis resolve without complications, but rarely, it may cause breathing difficulties or severe respiratory distress. If you experience trouble breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297013059f-aefa-46a4-9cd0-ed4ccfc0d80d In children, two complications of laryngitis may occur: Croup This narrows the airway passages, causes difficulty breathing, and leads to a “barking” cough. Epiglottitis The epiglottis is the flap of cartilage at the back of the tongue which closes off the windpipe when swallowing. When it becomes inflamed, it can swell and make breathing difficult.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f9bbad14-862e-4d37-9189-28708795fdd4
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care for Laryngitis People should seek immediate medical care for laryngitis if they experience any of the following signs or symptoms:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629829880a4-b5e8-4c2d-bbf1-9477c7259cc1 Trouble breathing Coughing up blood Fever that won’t go away Sore throat has gotten worse over a period of weeks Hoarseness that hasn’t resolved after four weeks should be evaluated with a laryngoscopy by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. For children, seek immediate care if they: Make noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling Drool more than usual Have trouble swallowing or breathing Have a fever
Research and Statistics: How Many People Have Laryngitis? Research and Statistics Laryngitis is a common condition, with acute cases affecting millions of people each year, especially during the cold and flu season. Most people will have laryngitis once every few years. Chronic laryngitis is less common. Research suggests that about 1 in every 5 adults will have chronic laryngitis during their lifetime.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292edc18ed-aa94-4a29-a8a2-13c2248c5d79
Conditions Related to Laryngitis Related Conditions Laryngitis may be related to or occur alongside other conditions, including. Upper Respiratory Infections These are characterized by irritation and swelling of the upper respiratory airways with cough but with no signs of pneumonia . They can involve the nose, sinuses, pharynx , and larynx. Common terms for these infections are a cold, the flu, and acute bronchitis .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f2691133-10a3-412a-8410-c6454f2b6805 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) In this common condition, the stomach contents move up into the esophagus. The resulting burning, difficulty swallowing, and sore throat can contribute to chronic laryngitis (reflux laryngitis).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c54f409a-1298-46bd-866e-9d03c388498c Allergies The immune system overreacts in people with allergies, causing the body to produce extra mucus. Allergens get caught in that mucus and can cause the throat to swell and get sore — and it may also make people clear their throat more.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f0d775f7-1a5d-4b25-8927-335be5cf4c72
The Takeaway Laryngitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness and potential loss of voice. Most cases are temporary and are caused by a viral infection like a cold or the flu. Chronic laryngitis is laryngitis that lasts longer than three weeks and often has an underlying cause such as smoking or overusing the voice. If symptoms last longer than three weeks or worsen, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Voice DisordersCleveland Clinic: Relief When Allergies Give You a Sore ThroatNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Taking Care of Your VoiceCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: About Respiratory IllnessesNational Library of Medicine: Acute Laryngitis
