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 difficulty making sounds when trying to speak. Vocal sounds may be weak, breathy, scratchy, or husky, and the pitch or quality ...

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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:

• Allergies

  Allergies

  An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.

  

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• Bacterial infection
• Bronchitis

  Bronchitis

  Acute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the bronchi, the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, w...

  

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• 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....

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Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to a dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include:

• Croup

  Croup

  Croup is an infection of the upper airways that causes breathing difficulty and a barking cough. Croup is due to swelling around the vocal cords. I...

  

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• Epiglottitis

  Epiglottitis

  Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. This is the tissue-lined cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe) while swallowing. Epiglottiti...

  

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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) should see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). An exam of the throat and upper airway will be done.

Treatment

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

Contact your provider if:

• A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling

  Drooling

  Drooling is saliva flowing outside the mouth.

  

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• 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.