CONDITIONS
Laryngitis
Symptoms and Causes of Laryngitis (Voice Box Inflammation)
What is laryngitis?
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and surrounding tissues, causing temporary hoarseness. Laryngitis occurs when the vocal cords are overused, irritated, or infected.
Healthy vocal cords open and close to generate the voice through vibration. When a person has laryngitis, their vocal cords are swollen. This swelling distorts the sound passing through the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness of voice. Additionally, voice change can be accompanied by constant throat pain when talking or swallowing.
Laryngitis is classified into two types: acute and chronic. Acute laryngitis is temporary, often occurring as a common ailment that resolves once the underlying cause is addressed. If laryngitis symptoms persist beyond three weeks, it is considered as chronic.
What are the risk factors for developing laryngitis?
The risk factors for laryngitis include:
- Exposure to irritants like smoke, allergens, or pollutants
- Respiratory tract infections, such as a cold, bronchitis, or sinusitis
- Overuse of voice
- Heavy drinking
- Conditions such as asthma, allergies, or immune system disorders
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
What causes laryngitis?
Acute laryngitis causes
- Temporary vocal strain due to yelling, singing, or frequent speaking.
- Viral infections.
- Bacterial infections.
- Candida (yeast) infections.
Causes of chronic laryngitis:
- Persistent overuse of the voice.
- Chronic sinusitis.
- GERD (chronic acid reflux).
- Smoking.
- Consuming too much alcohol.
What are the symptoms of laryngitis?
Common signs and symptoms of laryngitis include:
- Hoarse voice
- Occasionally being voiceless
- Dry cough
- Sore or dry throat
- Thorat pain
How is laryngitis diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose laryngitis by assessment of the symptoms and performing a physical examination. However, further tests are needed if hoarseness lasts more than three weeks.
Taking a culture: The doctor examines and takes a swab from the throat. The swab is sent to a laboratory for a culture test.
Laryngoscopy: A laryngoscope ( a tiny camera) is inserted through the nose and mouth to visualize the vocal cords better.
Biopsy: If there is a small lump or nodule on the vocal cord, a small sample of tissue is sent to the pathology lab for analysis.
How is laryngitis treated?
Acute cases of laryngitis usually get cured on their own in a week or so. Home-care measures like voice rest and drinking fluids help to relieve symptoms.
Treatments for chronic laryngitis focus on addressing the root causes, such as heartburn, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Medications used are:
Antibiotics: For bacterial infections, the doctor may recommend antibiotics.
Antifungal medications: If the laryngitis is related to a candida or yeast infection, antifungal medications will be prescribed.
Corticosteroids: These medicines help reduce swelling and inflammation. Doctors may prescribe these in some situations.
Pain relievers: If there is throat discomfort and pain, the doctor can prescribe pain-relieving medications.
Home care strategies that can be used during the recovery time include:
- Rest the voice as much as possible
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Try sucking on throat lozenges.
- Saltwater gargling.
- Steam Inhalation helps moisturize the upper airway and helps in the removal of secretions and exudates.
- Avoid whispering – this puts more strain on the voice than normal speech does.
- Avoid taking decongestant medicines as they can dry out the throat.
How laryngitis can be prevented?
To prevent getting laryngitis:
- Minimizing close contact with people who have respiratory illness, such as coughing, sneezing
- Wash hands frequently
- Stop smoking
- Avoid exposure to smoke
- Restrict alcohol consumption
- Avoid spicy foods
- Do not clear your throat frequently
- Have plenty of water
- Maintain a balanced diet
In summary, laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx or voice box and can manifest as either acute or chronic. Usually, it presents as a transient condition lasting three to seven days and often resolves without specific treatment. Common triggers for laryngitis include viral infections, vocal cord strain, acid reflux, smoking, and exposure to irritants or allergens as well as bacterial infections. The most common treatment for acute laryngitis is rest and self-care. However, antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Individuals are advised to rest their voices, refrain from smoking, avoid exposure to irritants, and maintain hydration through adequate fluid intake. Preventive measures include minimizing exposure to upper respiratory infections, which can help reduce the likelihood of developing laryngitis.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. Laryngitis. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22268-laryngitis Accessed on 19th April 2024
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Laryngitis. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/laryngitis Accessed on 19th April 2024
3. Mayo Clinic. Laryngitis Diagnosis and Treatment. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374267. Accessed on 19th April 2024
