Choose the content to read

• What is laryngitis?
• What are the symptoms of laryngitis?
• What are the causes of laryngitis?
• How is laryngitis diagnosed?
• What are the treatment modalities for laryngitis?
• What are home remedies for laryngitis?
• How can I prevent laryngitis?

What is laryngitis?

In Laryngitis, the vocal cords are two muscular folds of tissue within the larynx that can move apart (open) or come together (close). When air passes through the larynx, the vocal cords vibrate and create sound. When the larynx or voice box becomes inflamed from infection, irritation, or excessive use of the vocal cords, swelling, hoarseness, or voice loss can occur. Viral infection can also cause acute laryngitis.

What is the larynx?

The larynx voice box anatomical location is below the pharynx and over the trachea. It prevents food from entering the trachea and is essential for voice production. If the larynx becomes infected or overused, it can lead to laryngitis or inflammation of the voice box.

How does speech occur?

When air travels from the lungs up the trachea and passes through the voice box, this airflow causes the vocal cords to vibrate and produce sound. The sound is then shaped into distinct words by the muscles controlling the soft palate, tongue, and lips.

Opened and closed vocal cords

The vocal cords move away from each other (open) during breathing and move closer together (close) to generate sound by vibration.

What is the difference between laryngitis and pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis or sore throat refers to inflammation of the pharynx that extends from behind the nose to just above the voice box. Laryngitis involves inflammation of the larynx or voice box, located adjacent to the pharynx and just above the trachea.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

With laryngitis, you may develop hoarseness, voice loss, dry throat, dry cough, and tickling sensation in the throat. Symptoms can usually resolve in a couple of weeks if laryngitis is due to a viral infection. If your symptoms persist, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis because the inflammation may stem from a more serious underlying condition.

When should I see a doctor if I have symptoms of laryngitis?

Immediately see your doctor if you develop a persistent fever, difficulty breathing, escalating pain within weeks, and cough up blood. If your child has high-pitched breathing sounds upon inhalation, increased drooling, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and fever, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms can be indicators of croup or epiglottitis. Mild cases of croup are treatable at home. However, severe symptoms necessitate medical intervention. Epiglottitis can pose life-threatening risks.

What are the causes of laryngitis?

• Acute laryngitis typically resolves on its own. Common causes of acute laryngitis include viral infections (cold) and vocal strain from yelling or voice overuse. Acute laryngitis from bacterial infections is less common.
• Chronic laryngitis refers to laryngitis that persists for longer than three weeks. Several factors, such as exposure to irritants such as smoke, allergens, and chemical fumes, acid reflux, chronic sinusitis, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and habitual voice overuse (singers or cheerleaders) can trigger laryngitis. Other less common causes are fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Chronic laryngitis can lead to polyps or nodules on the vocal cords.

Chronic hoarseness can result from bowing of the vocal cords, cancer, or vocal cord paralysis from nerve injury due to cancer, nerve disorders, chest or neck injury, or neck surgery.

What are the risk factors of laryngitis?

Anyone can develop laryngitis. However, the risk increases in those who shout or yell, smoke, or are exposed to secondhand smoke regularly, consume alcohol excessively, and have respiratory infections like sinusitis and bronchitis. Compromised immune systems and steroid inhalers increase the risk of fungal laryngitis.

How is laryngitis diagnosed?

• History taking and physical examination.
• Laryngoscopy
  Your doctor will examine the back of your throat with a light source and a small mirror or via fiber-optic laryngoscopy. An endoscope may be inserted through your nose or mouth into the throat, enabling visualization of vocal cord movement during speech.
• Biopsy
  If the doctor identifies suspicious lesions during examination, the doctor may perform a biopsy to collect tissue samples for microscopic examination.

What are the treatment modalities for laryngitis?

• Antibiotics: Most cases of laryngitis are usually due to viral origin. However, if you have a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. 
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can reduce the inflammation of the vocal cords. Doctors usually prescribe them for small children with laryngitis associated with croup.
• Voice therapy: Voice therapy can help you change your habitual use of voice, minimizing the risk of developing laryngitis.
• Surgery: Doctors may recommend surgery for some people.

What are home remedies for laryngitis?

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. 
• Gargle your throat with salt water, suck on lozenges, or chew gum to keep your throat moist. 
• Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home or office. 
• Inhale steam when taking a hot shower or pouring hot water into a bowl. 
• Refrain from speaking or singing loudly. Use a microphone or megaphone if you have to address a large crowd. 
• Do not whisper because it puts more strain on your vocal cords.
• Avoid decongestants because they can cause throat dryness.

How can I prevent laryngitis?

• Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water. 
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help maintain healthy mucous membranes in the throat.  
• Avoid clearing your throat as it can lead to abnormal vibration of your vocal cords. This action may result in swelling, exacerbating throat irritation.
• Refrain from eating spicy foods that can contribute to GERD.
• Drink caffeine and alcoholic beverages in moderation. Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands to minimize germ spreading. 
• Avoid being with people who are ill with respiratory infections.

How should I prepare myself before the doctor’s appointment?

• Take note of your symptoms, recent life changes, significant life stress, and medications and dietary supplements you have been taking. 
• Make a list of questions you would like to ask your doctor. 
  For instance:
  
  • What causes my symptoms? 
  • Do I have to undergo any tests?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • How can I manage my preexisting health condition?
  • Are there any specific restrictions I must follow? 
• Prepare answers for questions that your doctor may ask.
  For instance:
  
  • When did your symptoms develop?
  • Do you experience the symptoms continuously or occasionally? 
  • What improves or worsens your symptoms?
  • Have you recently caught a cold?
  • Have you recently used your voice strenuously, such as shouting or singing?
  • Are you a smoker? 
  • Do you drink alcoholic beverages regularly?

A note from MedPark’s doctors

Laryngitis can resolve on its own. However, if you experience severe pain or symptoms persist beyond two weeks, you should contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment without further delay.