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Laryngitis
Hoarseness - laryngitis
Laryngitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the voice box (larynx). The problem is most often associated with hoarseness or loss of voice.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness refers to a difficulty making sounds when trying to speak. Vocal sounds may be weak, breathy, scratchy, or husky, and the pitch or qualit...
Causes
The voice box (larynx) is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness. Sometimes, the airway can get blocked.
The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by:
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Allergies
Allergies
An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Bacterial infection
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Bronchitis
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, which makes it...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Injury
- Irritants and chemicals
Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection , which is typically caused by a virus.
Upper respiratory infection
The common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....
Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include:
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Croup
Croup
Croup is breathing difficulty and a "barking" cough. Croup is due to swelling around the vocal cords. It is common in infants and children....
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Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. This is the tissue that covers the trachea (windpipe). Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease....
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Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck
Exams and Tests
A physical exam can find whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.
People with hoarseness that lasts more than a month (especially smokers) will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). Tests of the throat and upper airway will be done.
Treatment
Common laryngitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics likely will not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.
Resting your voice helps to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain medicines may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition often gets better on its own.
Possible Complications
In rare cases, severe respiratory distress develops. This requires immediate medical attention.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if:
- A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling
- A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness
- Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult
Prevention
To prevent getting laryngitis:
- Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
- Wash your hands often.
- DO NOT strain your voice.
- Stop smoking. This can help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which can lead to hoarseness.
References
Allen CT, Merati AL. Acute and chronic laryngitis. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 62.
Flint PW. Throat disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 429.
Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 385.
Review Date: 12/10/2016
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
