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Laryngitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the voice box (larynx), typically caused by factors such as overuse, irritation, or infection. Within the larynx are the vocal cords, consisting of mucous membrane folds covering muscle and cartilage. Under normal circumstances, these vocal cords open and close smoothly, producing sounds through their movement and vibration.
However, in cases of laryngitis, the vocal cords become inflamed or irritated, leading to swelling that distorts the sounds produced as air passes over them. Consequently, individuals with laryngitis experience hoarseness in their voice, and in severe cases, their voice may become nearly inaudible.
Laryngitis can manifest as either a short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) condition. Most often, it is triggered by a temporary viral infection and is not considered serious. However, persistent hoarseness may be indicative of a more serious underlying medical issue. It is important to be attentive to such symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.
Symptoms
The majority of the time, laryngitis is caused by a mild illness, such a virus, and its symptoms disappear after a few weeks. Less frequently, a more serious or persistent issue is the cause of laryngitis symptoms. Signs and symptoms of laryngitis might include:
- A tingling and raw feeling in your throat
- Losing your voice or weak voice
- Sore throat
- Dry throat
- Dry cough
- Hoarseness
The majority of acute cases of laryngitis can be treated with self-care techniques including vocal rest and lots of water. Vocal cord injury can occur by using your voice excessively when experiencing an acute case of laryngitis.
Should the symptoms of your laryngitis persist for longer than two weeks, schedule a visit with a doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if you:
- Difficulty of breathing
- Have a persistently high fever
- Feel discomfort growing over several weeks
- Coughing out blood
Contact your child’s doctor immediately if your child:
- More frequent drooling
- Is running a fever
- Has difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- When breathing in, produces loud, high-pitched sounds (stridor).
These symptoms and indicators could point to croup, which is an inflammation of the airway directly below the larynx. While most cases of croup can be handled at home, more severe cases need to be seen by a doctor. These signs may also point to epiglottitis, an inflammation of the tissue covering the trachea (the windpipe), which can be fatal to both adults and children.
Causes
How speech is produced.
Speech is a process initiated by the flow of air from the lungs through the trachea and the voice box, known as the larynx. As the vocal cords within the larynx vibrate, sound is generated. The shaping of this sound into words is accomplished by the coordinated action of muscles controlling the soft palate, tongue, and lips. Notably, the vocal cords open during inhalation and subsequently close during exhalation, facilitating the production of sound through their vibration.
Acute laryngitis
The majority of laryngitis instances are transient and get better when the underlying cause resolves. Acute laryngitis can be caused by:
- Viral infections that resemble common colds
- Vocal strain brought on by shouting or using your voice excessively
- Bacterial infections, but less frequent
- Yeast infection
Chronic laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis is defined as laryngitis that persists for more than three weeks. Over time, irritation from several sources is usually the cause of this kind of laryngitis. Vocal cord tension, injuries, or growths on the vocal cords (polyps or nodules) can be caused by chronic laryngitis. Possible causes of chronic laryngitis include:
- Inhaled irritants, including smoke, allergies, or chemical fumes.
- Acid reflux, sometimes known as GERD (gastric reflux disease)
- Chronic sinusitis
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Overuse of voice regularly (cheerleaders, singers, etc.)
- Smoking
- The following are less typical causes of chronic laryngitis:
- Infections from fungus or bacteria
- Parasitic infections
Additional reasons for persistent hoarseness consist of:
- Vocal cord paralysis, which can be brought on by cancer, nerve problems, surgical nerve damage, trauma to the chest or neck, or other medical issues.
- Vocal cords bowing
- Cancer
Risk factors
Among the laryngitis risk factors are:
- Experiencing a respiratory illness, like a sinusitis, bronchitis, or cold
- Being around irritating things like chemicals at work, cigarette smoke, heavy alcohol consumption, or stomach acid
- Excessive vocal use, such as shouting, singing, or speaking excessively loudly.
- Fungal laryngitis can affect those who are immunocompromised or who are using inhaled steroids.
Diagnosis
Hoarseness is the most typical symptom of laryngitis. Depending on the severity of the infection or irritation, your voice can change in a variety of ways, from slight hoarseness to nearly complete loss. Your doctor may go through your medical history and symptoms if you have persistent hoarseness. In addition to examining your vocal cords and wanting to hear you speak, he or she might recommend that you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
In some cases, doctors may use the following methods to help diagnose laryngitis:
- Throat swab. Your doctor checks you and takes a throat swab. After then, the sample is exposed to a chemical that promotes the growth of germs. If you find infection-causing bacteria in your culture, it is positive.
- Laryngoscopy. During a laryngoscopy procedure, your doctor will use a light and a tiny mirror to peer into the back of your throat in order to visually examine your voice cords. Your doctor might also employ fiber-optic laryngoscopy. This is the process of passing an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube—through your mouth or nose and into the back of your throat, where it is equipped with a tiny camera and light. Then, as you talk, your doctor can see how your vocal cords move.
- Biopsy. Your doctor might do a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue for microscopic inspection, if they notice something unusual.
Treatment
Usually, acute laryngitis resolves on its own after a week or so. Self-care techniques like breathing deeply, staying hydrated, and adding humidity to your air can also help reduce symptoms.
Treatments for chronic laryngitis focus on addressing the underlying conditions that cause the condition, such as heartburn, smoking, or binge drinking.
Medications that are occasionally used include:
- Antibiotics. Since the cause of laryngitis is virtually always viral, using an antibiotic won’t help. However, your doctor could advise taking an antibiotic if you have a bacterial illness.
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can occasionally aid in lowering vocal cord irritation. However, this course of action is only taken in circumstances where treating laryngitis urgently is necessary, such as when a toddler’s laryngitis is linked to croup.
Exploring voice therapy is an effective approach to understanding and mitigating behaviors that can exacerbate vocal issues. Voice therapy involves working with a speech therapist or a vocal coach who can provide guidance on proper vocal techniques, breathing exercises, and strategies to reduce strain on your voice.
In certain situations, when conservative treatments are insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options can include procedures to address structural abnormalities in the vocal cords, remove growths or lesions, or correct other underlying issues contributing to vocal problems. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific condition and needs.
