Definition

Laryngitis is swelling of the voice box. This swelling usually includes the vocal cords. The swelling can make it difficult to speak.

The Larynx

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Causes

Common causes of laryngitis include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection—often caused by a virus, like a cold
• Bacterial or fungal infections—much less common
• Irritation caused by voice overuse—from yelling, singing, and speaking loudly for extended periods of time
• Airborne irritants—such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, and mold
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)—stomach acid rises up in the throat and irritates the vocal cords

Other causes of hoarseness or voice loss include:

• Noncancerous growths on the focal cords
• Functional dysphonia—abnormal use of the vocal mechanisms despite normal anatomy
• Laryngeal papilloma—growths on the larynx caused by HPV infection
• Muscle tension dysphonia—a voice disorder caused by excessive or unequal tension while speaking
• Reinkes edema—an accumulation of fluid in the vocal cords, usually associated with smoking
• Spasmodic dysphonia—a condition resulting in irregular voice breaks
• Vocal cord paralysis—weakness or immobility of the vocal cords
• Side effects from inhaled medications used for asthma

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of laryngitis include:

• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Excessive use of the voice as in singing, public speaking, or yelling
• Allergies to dust, mold, and pollen
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Recent respiratory infection
• Uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux disease

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Hoarseness (raspiness, breathiness, and strain) or loss of voice
• Changes in volume (loudness) or in pitch (how high or low the voice is)
• Sore throat
• Cough

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Your doctor should examine you if you experience the following:

• Hoarseness that has no obvious cause or has lasted longer than 2-3 weeks
• Hoarseness with difficulty swallowing or breathing, coughing up blood, a lump in the neck, or throat pain out of proportion to that usually seen with the common cold
  • For some of these symptoms, emergency medical evaluation is indicated. If you have any questions about how quickly to seek care, call your doctor or a local emergency facility.
• Complete loss of voice or severe change in voice lasting longer than a few days

You may be referred to an otolaryngologist, also called an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor, if your laryngitis does not have an easily identified cause or cure.

An ENT doctor will also ask about your medical history. Your voice box will be examined with a flexible, lighted scope. The doctor may place a mirror in the back of your mouth to see your voice box. Other tests may be done to evaluate swallowing or other processes related to normal voice.

Treatment

Laryngitis caused by seasonal allergies, cold or flu, or other viral respiratory infections will usually go away on its own. It may take up to two weeks. To help you heal:

• Rest your voice.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid smoking.
• Take nonprescription pain relievers (like acetaminophen, ibuprofen) as needed.
• Try steam inhalation.

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent some of the illnesses and disorders that can cause laryngitis. However, to prevent and treat mild hoarseness related to laryngitis do the following:

• If you smoke, quit.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Avoid agents that can dehydrate the body, such as alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Humidify your home.
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods if you are prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Try not to use your voice too loudly or for too long.
• Seek professional voice training.
• Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is injured or hoarse.