Laryngitis is swelling and inflammation of the larynx. It is usually temporary and has no serious consequences. Common causes include viral infections, overuse of the voice, acid reflux, smoking, and exposure to irritants and allergens.
The larynx, sometimes known as the voice box, is home to the vocal cords. These are vital to the processes of breathing, swallowing, and talking. The vocal cords are two small folds of mucous membrane covering cartilage and muscle that vibrate to produce sound. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords. The vocal cords normally open and close to generate the voice with a slow, steady movement. When a person has laryngitis, their vocal cords are swollen. As a result of this swelling, vocal fold vibration and mucosal wave will change, which alters the sound of the voice. People with laryngitis will often have a voice that is hoarse, gravelly, or too quiet to hear properly.
Laryngitis often occurs due to an acute viral infection. These infections are usually mild and last for a period of 3–7 days.
In chronic laryngitis, the inflammation is ongoing. Vocal cords can become strained and develop growths, such as polyps or nodules.
Symptoms: Laryngitis can cause a wide range of symptoms in adults, including:
- hoarseness
- difficulty with speech
- throat pain
- low fever
- persistent cough
- frequent throat clearing
These symptoms begin suddenly and often become more severe over the next 2–3 days. If symptoms last for more than 3 weeks, it is likely that the case has become chronic. This suggests there is a more serious underlying cause.
If a person has laryngitis for more than 3 weeks, they should contact a doctor who can investigate the underlying cause.
Laryngitis often relates to other illnesses. Throat infections, colds, or flu can occur alongside a case of laryngitis. If a person has one of these illnesses alongside laryngitis, they may experience some of the following symptoms:
The symptoms are likely to resolve without treatment by the seventh day of infection. A person should see a doctor if the symptoms persist for longer or present severely.
Symptoms in children: Symptoms of laryngitis in children can differ from symptoms in adults. The condition’s characteristics are often a hoarse, barking cough and fever, and it may also present as croup. Croup is a contagious respiratory illness common among children. Although croup is usually a simple illness to treat, severe cases require medical attention.
Doctors recommend medical attention for children experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- a fever of over 103° Fahrenheit or 39.4° Celsius
- drooling
- loud, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling
These symptoms can also indicate epiglottitis. This is inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue. Both adults and children can develop epiglottitis, and the condition can be life-threatening in certain cases.
Causes: A number of conditions can cause laryngitis. Acute and chronic forms of laryngitis typically result from different factors.
Infections: The most common cause of laryngitis is a viral infection. These viruses are often similar to those that cause the common cold or flu.
Overuse of the voice can also cause inflammation of the larynx, which can lead to laryngitis. Examples of overuse include loud singing or excessive shouting.
In very rare instances, diphtheria can cause laryngitis. This is a bacterial infection that spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Most people in the United States have had the diphtheria vaccine.
Other causes: There are a number of causes of chronic laryngitis. Common causes of chronic laryngitis include:
- acid reflux, a condition in which stomach acid and contents make their way up into the throat
- bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- chronic sinusitis
- excessive coughing
- inhaling irritants, such as allergens or toxic fumes
- high alcohol intake
- habitual misuse or overuse of voice
- smoking, including secondhand smoke
- inhaling steroid medicines, such as asthma inhalers
Tests and diagnosis: Doctors typically diagnose laryngitis with a physical examination that assesses the ears, nose, throat, and voice. Most cases do not require any additional testing.
Fast facts on laryngitis
- Viral infections such as colds are the most common causes of laryngitis.
- Lifestyle factors, such as ongoing exposure to irritants, often cause chronic laryngitis.
- Children with laryngitis can develop another respiratory illness called croup.
- A doctor may recommend additional testing in more severe cases, such as a laryngoscopy.
- Self-care measures and rest are the best treatment options for acute laryngitis.
