What Is Laryngitis?

It is an inflammation of the larynx caused by chemical or mechanical irritation or bacterial infection.

Laryngitis is defined as the inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane lining the larynx in the upper part of the respiratory tract.

Laryngitis is a widespread problem and often occurs during an upper respiratory tract infection(cold).

I had earlier shared What Is Acute Respiratory Infection? I hope you read.

Causes & classification

Acute Laryngitis

Most cases of laryngitis are temporary and improve after the underlying causes get better.

Viral infection from cold
Viruses such as measles or mumps

Chronic laryngitis

Laryngitis that lasts more than three weeks is known as chronic laryngitis.

It can cause by Inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens, smoking
Acid reflux / GERD

Less common causes are:

Infection (TB, syphilis, fungal infection).
Cancer, vocal cord paralysis, stroke & tumor.

Read: Peritonsillar Abscess: A Complications Of Tonsillitis

Signs and symptoms of laryngitis

The most common symptoms are hoarseness of voice.
Weak voice and voiceless
Dryness, sore throat, and dry cough
Fever and Cold- flu-like symptoms
Feeling of fullness in throat or neck.
Pain in swallowing
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing

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Diagnostic evaluation

Doctors typically diagnose laryngitis with a physical examination that assesses the nose, throat, ears, and voice. In some cases, no additional testing is required.

The typical symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness, so doctors will take care to listen to the person’s voice with laryngitis. They also ask questions about lifestyle and other related diseases. Your doctor also looks for the following signs of laryngitis:

Irritation
Redness
Vocal cord swelling
Lesions on the voice box

If the doctor sees a lesion or other suspicious mass, they may order a biopsy. During a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue to be examined in a lab.

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How to treat laryngitis in 24 hours

To prevent dryness/irritation of the vocal cord.
Do not smoke & avoid second-hand smoke
Drink plenty of water
Avoid clearing the throat
To reduce strain on the voice.
Use a cold, moist humidifier
Drink plenty of fluids
Give your voice a break
Inhale steam or breath moist air
Avoid whispering because whisper put more significant strain than speak
Moisten the throat, try sucking on lozenges, gargle, or chewing gum.

Read: What Does Turmeric Do For You?

Prevention

People take several measures to limit irritation and dryness to the vocal cords.
Please do not allow the patient to smoke the smoke that goes inside while smoking causes dryness of the throat and irritation in our vocal cords.
The patient should consume alcohol or caffeine-containing substances in tiny quantities because it causes water loss in your body, so they should consume water as much as possible.
The patient should consume fluids as fluids help thin the mucus in the throat and clear it quickly.
The patient should speak as little as possible and give rest to his voice.
Sucking tablets and throat spray should be used if the patient has pain in the throat.
The patient should maintain personal hygiene as much as possible.

Frequently Asked Question

What is laryngitis caused by?

Chronic laryngitis can cause stress and injuries to the vocal cords or growths on the vocal cords. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens or smoke.

What is the test for laryngitis?

Laryngitis can be diagnosed through examination of the larynx. A laryngeal examination may include a mirror examination or a special magnified view of the voice box (rigid laryngoscopy or laryngeal stroboscopy).

How serious is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is not serious in adults. But you should see a doctor if it’s been hoarse and coughing up blood for more than 2 weeks, has a temperature over 103 F, and is having trouble breathing.

How long can laryngitis last?

Laryngitis is usually caused by inflammation or swelling of your voice box or vocal cords in the throat. And it disappears by itself in 1 to 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Common causes of laryngitis include viral infections, overuse of voice, acid reflux. The most common treatment is rest and self care. A person should take steps to prevent respiratory tract infections to reduce the risk of laryngitis.

What Is Laryngitis?: Cure, Symptoms, Causes, Test