The Facts about Laryngitis
What is Laryngitis
Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the larynx or voice box. The larynx is located where the mouth and trachea (breathing tube) meet. The epiglottis is a small flap that prevents food particles and saliva out of the larynx during swallowing. The larynx itself is actually cartilage that lines the inside of the trachea. The vocal folds (vocal cords) are attached to this cartilage and stretch across the trachea. The vocal folds are protected by mucus membranes.
When air from the lungs passes through the larynx and vocal cords, the cords vibrate against one another, and the muscles surrounding the voice box adjust to create different sounds.
When the larynx becomes inflamed, the result is a gravelly or hoarse voice, or even loss of sound altogether.
Symptoms and Causes of Laryngitis
There are two types of laryngitis: short-term and chronic (long-lasting). Short-term occurrences are usually acute (rather sudden) in onset, but will last about two weeks. Chronic cases can last more than three weeks. In most cases, symptoms are triggered by a viral infection of the upper airways or vocal strain.
Other causes include:
- croup (young children)
- a hoarse, bark-sounding cough (young children)
- fever
- viral upper respiratory tract infection including: runny nose, dry cough, loss of voice
- acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD)
- voice overuse
- irritation from airborne allergens or smoke
- viruses (measles, mumps)
- drinking alcohol
- direct injury to the larynx or vocal cords perhaps from coughing
- irritation of the vocal cords from polyps or nodules
- thyroid inflammation.
If there is no improvement in symptoms after two to three weeks, it is imperative to seek medical attention, as this may be an indication of something more serious than vocal strain or effects of the flu.
Available Treatment for Laryngitis
Acute or short-term laryngitis that results from a virus should improve on its own within 14 days. Treatment should be directed at allowing the vocal tissues an opportunity to heal. These include:
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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