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Laryngitis

Swelling or inflammation of the throat’s vocal cords or voice box leads to laryngitis. Usually, within a week or two, it fades away on its own.

Symptoms of laryngitis

Typically, laryngitis develops rapidly and gets worse over the first three days.

  • A croaky (hoarse) voice
  • Occasionally being voiceless
  • A persistent, annoying cough
  • Constant throat clearing
  • An upset stomach

You can also have other symptoms because laryngitis accompanies other ailments like the flu and the common cold.

When to concern the doctor?

You can take most severe cases of laryngitis care by taking self-care measures, including resting your voice and consuming lots of fluids. Vocal cord injury can occur if you use your voice vigorously while experiencing an episode of acute laryngitis.

Schedule a medical consultation if your laryngitis persists for more than two weeks.

Immediately seek medical help if you:

  • Having issues breathing
  • Have a fever that won’t go away with a bloody cough
  • Having a weeks-long increase in pain

Causes for laryngitis

Acute laryngitis 

Acute laryngitis can be brought on by:

  • Viruses that are comparable to cold viruses
  • The vocal strain brought on by shouting or using your voice excessively
  • Bacterial infections, even though they are less frequent
When to concern the doctor?

Chronic laryngitis

Chronic laryngitis persists for more than three weeks.

Vocal cord damage, growth, and tension by chronic laryngitis. 

Chronic laryngitis may result from:

  • Inhaled irritants, such as smoke, allergies, or chemical fumes
  • Additionally known as gastroesophageal reflux illness, acid reflux
  • Persistent sinusitis
  • Consuming alcohol too much
  • Repetitive voice-overuse
  • Smoking

Risk factors and complications of laryngitis

Laryngitis risk factors include:

  • Having an illness of the respiratory system, such as a cold, bronchitis, or sinusitis
  • Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, heavy alcohol consumption, stomach acid, or chemicals at work
  • Using your voice excessively by shouting, singing, or talking too much
  • In some cases of infectious laryngitis, the infection may spread to other respiratory tract organs

Preventions for laryngitis

  • To save guard throat from dryness and irritation,
  • Stop smoking
  • Restrict alcohol consumption
  • Avoid spicy foods
  • Have plenty of water
  • Maintain a balanced diet

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022