What is this condition?

A common disorder, laryngitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Acute laryngitis may occur as an isolated infection or as part of a generalized upper respiratory tract infection.

What causes it?

Acute laryngitis usually is caused by infection (mainly viral) or excessive use of the voice. Thus, it’s an occupational hazard for teachers, public speakers, singers, and others. It may also result from leisure activities (such as cheering at a sports event) or from inhaling smoke, fumes, or caustic chemicals.

Causes of chronic laryngitis include chronic upper respiratory tract disorders (sinus inflammation, bronchitis, nasal polyps, allergy), mouth breathing, smoking, constant exposure to dust or other irritants, and alcohol abuse.

What are its symptoms?

Acute laryngitis typically starts with hoarseness, which ranges from mild to complete loss of the voice. The person may also have pain (especially when swallowing or speaking), dry cough, fever, a swollen larynx, and an overall ill feeling.

In chronic laryngitis, persistent hoarseness is usually the only symptom.

How is it diagnosed?

To confirm laryngitis, the doctor examines the inside of the person’s larynx by observing its reflection in a special mirror, This exam typically shows that the vocal cords are red, inflamed, and, occasionally, bleeding, with rounded rather than sharp edges. The doctor may also note a discharge and, in severe cases, take a culture of the discharge.

How is it treated?

Resting the voice is the primary treatment. For viral infection, the doctor prescribes analgesics and throat lozenges to relieve pain. To treat bacterial infection, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic.

A person with severe, acute laryngitis may need to be hospitalized. If swelling of the larynx causes a blocked airway, the doctor may perform a tracheotomy, cutting the trachea to gain access to the airway below the blockage.

In chronic laryngitis, the doctor prescribes treatment to correct the underlying cause.