Laryngitis Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Laryngitis is an ailment that develops due to inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which results in irritation of the vocal cords. The inflammation may occur either acutely as a consequence of infection or strain of the voice or chronically due to the prolonged irritation and other causes. Knowing laryngitis explained will assist you to understand the symptoms and treatment of this condition.

What Is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is the medical term denoting inflammation of the larynx, which is the throat area where vocal cords are located. If the vocal cords become swollen, they are unable to vibrate as usual, and therefore the voice becomes hoarse, weakened, or disappears.

There are two types of laryngitis:

Acute

It lasts several days to two weeks and occurs due to viruses and voice strain.

Chronic

It lasts more than three weeks and is associated with prolonged irritation, acid reflux, smoking, allergies, or recurrent strain on the vocal cords.

Laryngitis Explained: Common Causes

There are various reasons for developing laryngitis; these include:

• Viruses like cold or flu

• Bacteria (not frequent)

• Overusing voice by speaking, shouting, and singing

• Tobacco smoking and passive smoking

• GERD

• Allergies

• Irritants in the environment like dust or toxic chemicals

• Alcohol abuse

• Chronic sinusitis

Diagnosing the real cause helps in prescribing the best treatment.

Symptoms of Laryngitis Explained

The symptoms of laryngitis depend on its causes and may vary. However, there are common symptoms like:

• Hoarse or scratchy voice

• A weak voice or loss of it

• A sore throat

• Dry or scratchy feeling in the throat

• Frequent dry cough

• Difficulties speaking

• Pain during speaking

• The sensation of having something in the throat

• Low fever (if caused by an infection)

In most cases, the condition lasts up to two weeks.

How Laryngitis Is Diagnosed

Laryngitis is diagnosed through evaluating patient’s complaints and conducting a physical exam. In case of persistent symptoms, an ENT specialist conducts a laryngoscopy – examines the vocal cords using a tiny camera or mirror to find out any inflammation, nodes, polyps, etc.

Further tests can be ordered if chronic laryngitis or some other disease is suspected.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the reasons causing inflammation. The possible treatments are:

Silence, no shouting and whispering

Having enough water to stay hydrated

Using a humidifier

Gargling with warm salt water

Treating any acid reflux problem that might be present

Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol

Taking prescribed medication, if needed, including antibiotics for bacteria-caused infections, acid reflux drugs, etc.

Viral laryngitis usually heals without antibiotics.

Prevention of Laryngitis

There are several practices that you can adopt to reduce the risk of contracting laryngitis:

• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Drink enough fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

• Wash your hands often.

• Avoid excessive use of your voice.

• Control your allergies and acid reflux well.

• Apply proper vocal techniques when you are a singer or speaker.

• Avoid dust and chemical irritants.

Proper hygiene practices will ensure that your vocal cords remain healthy and protected.

Conclusion

Having knowledge about laryngitis explained will assist you in knowing the early signs of this disorder and receiving timely treatment to avoid complications. This disorder is mostly due to viral infection, voice strain, smoking, or acid reflux. It is treatable by resting your voice, drinking enough fluid, and practicing proper health practices. Nonetheless, if you experience hoarseness or symptoms of the throat lasting for more than three weeks, it is wise to consult an ENT doctor to rule out any other possible illnesses.