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
Acute Laryngitis
Acute Laryngitis is a short-term larynx inflammation typically lasting 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, a sore throat, and difficulty speaking.
Chronic Laryngitis
Chronic Laryngitis is a long-term inflammation of the larynx lasting more than three weeks. It can be caused by various factors, including prolonged exposure to irritants like smoke or pollution, chronic acid reflux, and vocal cord strain. Symptoms include persistent hoarseness, a sore throat, and difficulty speaking.
Causes and Risk Factors
Various factors can trigger laryngitis, ranging from infections to lifestyle choices. Viral upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, most commonly cause acute laryngitis. 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 acute and chronic laryngitis, so managing underlying health conditions and avoiding known irritants is crucial.
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, such as 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.
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 disappears. Voice rest is crucial in managing acute laryngitis and is the most critical recovery factor. After you recover, it would help to restrict your speaking to prevent the condition from recurring.
- Liquids
- The doctor may suggest using a household humidifier to add moisture to your environment and 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
- It is severe if your chronic Laryngitis has resulted in loose or paralyzed vocal cords or vocal cord polyps. If the polyps have caused substantial dysfunction, the doctor may suggest surgery.
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 diagnose thoroughly 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 irritates the vocal cords.
- 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, allowing it to clear quickly from your throat.
- Avoid spicy foods. They 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. Doing so can cause the vocal cords to vibrate abnormally and increase swelling. Clearing your throat also causes it to secrete more mucus, making you want to clear it again.
- To avoid infections of the upper respiratory tract, wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with people who have common respiratory diseases, such as colds.
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Our otolaryngologist team offers comprehensive ENT services, and we’re here to help. If you’ve been struggling with Laryngitis, contact us today.