Laryngitis

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.