Understanding Laryngitis

Laryngitis occurs when overuse, irritation, or infection causes your voice box or vocal cords to become inflamed. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx), leading to a hoarse or weak voice. Inflammation in the upper airway, particularly the larynx, can lead to symptoms like hoarseness and airway obstruction.

Laryngitis may be acute (short-term), less than three weeks in duration, or chronic (long-term) and last for over three weeks. There are over three million cases per year in the US.

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) that can cause hoarseness, sore throat, and difficulty speaking. The larynx is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea) and contains the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound. When the vocal cords become inflamed or irritated, they can swell, leading to a hoarse or weak voice.

Types of Laryngitis

There are two main types of Laryngitis: acute and chronic.

Acute Laryngitis

Acute Laryngitis is a short-term inflammation of the larynx that typically lasts less than two weeks. It is often caused by a viral upper respiratory infection (URI), such as a cold or flu, and can also be triggered by overuse or strain of the vocal cords. Symptoms of acute Laryngitis include hoarseness, sore throat, and difficulty speaking.

Chronic Laryngitis

Chronic Laryngitis is a long-term inflammation of the larynx that lasts more than three weeks. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including prolonged exposure to irritants such as smoke or pollution, chronic acid reflux, and vocal cord strain. Symptoms of chronic Laryngitis include persistent hoarseness, sore throat, and difficulty speaking.

Causes and Risk Factors

Laryngitis can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from infections to lifestyle choices. Acute laryngitis is most commonly caused by viral upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu. These viral infections inflame the vocal cords, leading to the characteristic hoarseness and sore throat. On the other hand, chronic laryngitis often results from prolonged exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, and acid reflux. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are significant risk factors, as they can continuously irritate the vocal cords. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to both acute and chronic laryngitis, making it crucial to manage underlying health conditions and avoid known irritants.

How do I know I have Laryngitis Symptoms?

Symptoms that may occur include:

• A sore throat,
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Feeling chilled
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Stuffiness
• Nasal Blockage
• Lymph nodes that are enlarged (glands are swollen)
• A feeling of fullness in your throat

The throat may appear reddened in the case of an infection, or whitish deposits may occur in the throat.

Laryngitis Symptoms

The symptoms of Laryngitis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Hoarseness or a weak voice
• Sore throat
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Pain or discomfort when speaking or swallowing

In severe cases, Laryngitis can cause respiratory distress or blockage of the airway, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• High-pitched sound when inhaling
• Fever
• Coughing or choking

What Triggers Chronic Laryngitis?

There are various causes of both acute and chronic Laryngitis.

Most generally, acute Laryngitis is caused by a viral infection that inflames the vocal cords. It may also be caused by overuse of the voice with too much talking, singing, or shouting. Viral Laryngitis is frequently associated with upper respiratory tract infections, with various viral agents responsible for this condition.

Laryngitis is chronic if symptoms last more than three weeks and can be due to:

• Prolonged use of alcohol
• Fume Inhalation
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to polluted air
• Overcoughing
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Overuse of inhalers. Fungal Laryngitis may require targeted therapy with oral antifungal agents like fluconazole, especially in immunocompromised patients or those using inhaled steroids.

How Does a Health Professional Diagnose Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is usually diagnosed following a physical exam.

The most widespread symptom of the condition is hoarseness in the throat, so the doctors will first listen to the person’s voice. They can also inquire about lifestyle problems, possible exposure to airborne irritants, and other associated diseases.

Anyone who has symptoms for longer than two weeks should consult their doctor. Chronic hoarseness can be a symptom of persistent Laryngitis lasting longer than three weeks, which can lead to vocal cord strain and other complications. They may be referred to a specialist in otolaryngology, also known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor.

Laryngitis Treatment for Vocal Cords

Some treatment options for Laryngitis include:

• Voice Rest
  • If you sing or talk for a living, your voice should rest until the inflammation goes away. Voice rest is crucial in the management of acute Laryngitis and is the most important factor in recovery. It would help if you then restrict your speaking after you recover to prevent the condition from flaring up.
• Liquids
  • The doctor may suggest you use a household humidifier to add moisture to your environment and to help soothe your irritated and scratchy throat. Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine because these substances can lead to increased inflammation of the throat. You can also suck on lozenges to keep your throat moist. Avoid medicines that contain menthol, as they can irritate your throat.
• Medication
  • Most infectious laryngitis cases are due to viruses and go away with time. In some rare cases, Laryngitis is caused by bacterial infection, and the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
  • Long-term treatment of Laryngitis is meant to treat the underlying cause and will, therefore, differ from treatment for acute Laryngitis. Your doctor may recommend pain relievers, antihistamines, or a glucocorticosteroid.
• An operation
  • If your chronic Laryngitis has resulted in loose or paralyzed vocal cords or vocal cord polyps, it is severe. In these cases, the doctor may suggest surgery if the polyps have caused a substantial dysfunction of your vocal cords.

The removal of vocal cord polyps is usually a simple outpatient procedure. They may suggest injections of collagen or surgery for paralyzed or loose vocal cords.

Complications of Untreated Laryngitis

Ignoring laryngitis symptoms can lead to several complications, some of which can be quite serious. Chronic hoarseness is a common outcome, where the voice remains persistently weak or raspy. This can be particularly problematic for individuals who rely on their voice for professional reasons. Untreated laryngitis can also cause damage to the vocal cords, potentially leading to the formation of polyps or nodules. These growths can further impair voice quality and may require surgical intervention. In severe cases, laryngitis can cause significant difficulty breathing, posing a life-threatening risk. Additionally, the inflammation can spread, leading to respiratory infections that complicate the condition further.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms of laryngitis, such as hoarseness, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Immediate medical attention is crucial if you have a fever, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. Individuals with a history of smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, or a weakened immune system should be particularly vigilant. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a primary care physician can provide a thorough diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments. They may suggest voice rest, voice therapy, or other interventions to help manage and alleviate your symptoms. Early consultation can prevent complications and promote a quicker recovery.

How to Avoid Laryngitis

To prevent your vocal cords from getting dry or irritated, heed the following advice:

• Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke dries the throat, and the vocal cords get irritated.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol—this causes you to lose water in your body.
• Drink plenty of water. The fluids help keep mucus thin and comfortable so that it clears quickly from your throat.
• Stay away from spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to pass into the throat or esophagus, leading to heartburn or GERD.
• Eat healthily. Include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A, E, and C and help maintain the healthy mucous membranes lining the throat.
• Try not to clear your throat too much. This causes the vocal cords to vibrate abnormally and may increase swelling. Clearing your throat also causes your throat to secrete more mucus, making you want to clear your throat again.
• Avoid infections in the upper respiratory tract. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with people who have common respiratory diseases like colds.

Enticare

Our team of otolaryngologists offer comprehensive ENT services and we’re here to help. If you’ve been struggling with Laryngitis, contact us today.