Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of your voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection.

Inside the larynx (voice box) are your vocal cords — which are two bands of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. The vocal cords vibrate and air passes through the cords from the lungs to produce the sound of your voice. The sound is then sent through the throat, nose, and mouth, giving “resonance." However, in laryngitis, your vocal cords become swollenor irritated. This inflammation of the vocal cords can alter the way the vocal cords come together and vibrate; consequently, your voice sounds hoarse or raspy. In some cases of laryngitis, your voice can become nearly undetectable.

There are two types of laryngitis: theshort-lived (acute) or the long lasting (chronic).

Acute laryngitis
Acute laryngitis is temporary and heals once the underlying cause gets better. Causes maybe:

• Infections similar to those of a cold.

• Vocal strain, because of persistent yelling or overusing your voice.

Acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week or so. Self-care measures also can help improve symptoms.

Chronic laryngitis
Laryngitis that lasts longer than three weeks is known as chronic laryngitis. This type of laryngitis is generally caused by exposure to irritants over time which results in straining and injuring the vocal cord by:

• Inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens or smoking.

• Chronicsinusitis.

• Excessive alcohol use.

• Habitual overuse of your voice (such as with singers).

When to seek expert advice

Most acute cases of laryngitis are manageable with self-care steps, such as resting your voice, drinking plenty of fluids and by avoiding strenuous use of your voice.

Make an appointment with a doctor at the Section of ENT (Otolaryngology) if your symptoms last more than two weeks.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Have trouble breathing.

• Blood cough.

• Have a fever that won't subside.

• Have an increase inpain.

• Have trouble in swallowing.