Laryngitis is swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx (voicebox). This swelling usually involves the vocal cords, and leads to hoarseness or even complete loss of voice.
Common causes of laryngitis, hoarseness, or voice loss are:
Other less common causes of hoarseness or voice loss include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms include:
A doctor should examine you if you experience the following:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
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 and examine your voicebox using a flexible, lighted scope that is passed through your nose and down the back of the throat. In some cases, the doctor will place a mirror in the back of your mouth to see your voicebox. Under some circumstances, other tests may be indicated to evaluate swallowing mechanisms or other processes related to normal voice functioning.
Laryngitis caused by seasonal allergies, cold or flu , or other viral respiratory infection usually resolves itself within two weeks. To relieve symptoms during this time:
Managing underlying illnesses, such as GERD or viral infections, often relieves laryngitis.
Surgery may be performed to treat growths on the vocal cords, vocal cord paralysis, or some other laryngeal disorders.
Laryngitis as a result of voice overuse usually resolves itself within a few days. Voice therapy is often used to treat voice problems, especially those related to vocal overuse. Voice therapy consists of:
If you are diagnosed with laryngitis, follow your doctor's instructions.
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, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery recommends the following:
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor
http://familydoctor.org/
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/index-eng.php/
References:
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org.
University of Pittsburgh Voice Center website. Available at: http://voicecenter.upmc.com.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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