Laryngitis

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation and swelling of the larynx (voice box) that is usually associated with hoarseness or loss of voice. 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, and may sometimes block the airway. Laryngitis is categorized as acute if it lasts less than a few days. Otherwise it is categorized as chronic, and may last over 3 weeks.

The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by allergies, bacterial infection, bronchitis, common cold, flu, injury, irritants and chemicals, and pneumonia.

Symptoms of laryngitis can vary, depending on the severity and also the cause. The most common, and obvious, symptom is impaired speech, ranging from a raspy hoarseness to the total loss of ability to speak, except at a whisper. Other symptoms can include dry sore throat, difficult swallowing, sensation of swelling in the area of the larynx, fever, difficulty breathing and difficulty eating.

Resting your voice helps by reducing inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and painkillers may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, if you have one.