Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box) which is located in your throat. Symptoms include hoarseness and loss of voice. Treatment mainly involves not talking, avoiding irritants, and breathing moist air from a humidifier or hot water. Show Most cases of laryngitis get better within a week or two. Laryngitis that lasts more than three weeks can indicate a serious underlying medical condition. General informationThe larynx is part of the upper respiratory tract (upper airway) that connects your mouth with your lungs. It contains your vocal cords, which you use to talk and sing. When the vocal cords become irritated or inflamed, they swell up, which distorts the sounds they produce. This results in the voice sounding hoarse or croaky and in some cases may barely be heard. CausesLaryngitis can be caused by many things, but most commonly involves an infection or injury to the larynx. The causes of acute (short-term) and chronic (longer lasting) laryngitis differ. Acute laryngitisMost cases of laryngitis get better over the course of a week or two as the underlying cause resolves, or is removed or minimised. Causes of acute laryngitis include: Viral respiratory infections, such as a common cold or flu Vocal strain or injury caused by shouting or talking or singing loudly, or for long periods Persistent clearing of the throat or prolonged coughing Bacterial or fungal infection. Chronic laryngitisLaryngitis that lasts longer than three weeks is considered to be chronic laryngitis. It is generally caused by exposure to irritants over time. Chronic laryngitis can result in vocal cord strain and injury or the growth of polyps or nodules on the vocal cords. Causes of chronic laryngitis include:
Signs and symptomsSymptoms usually appear suddenly and gradually worsen over two to three days. The duration of most cases of laryngitis is less than two weeks and probably won't require a visit to your GP. Common signs and symptoms of laryngitis include:
If laryngitis is associated with another illness, such as a cold, flu, throat infection (pharyngitis) or tonsillitis, the following symptoms may also be present:
When to see a doctor?You should go to an emergency room for urgent medical assessment if a child’s laryngitis is accompanied by:
You should see your GP if you have one or more of these symptoms:
DiagnosisYour GP will likely ask you about possible causes of your laryngitis including overusing your voice, smoking and alcohol intake, and allergies. They may also examine your larynx using a mirror to look for redness or swelling and may take blood and a throat swab to test for possible infection of your upper airways. You might be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for additional tests, which could include:
TreatmentMost cases of laryngitis get better within a week or two without the need for medical treatment. Self-careThe following self-care steps and home treatments may relieve the symptoms of laryngitis, reduce the strain on your voice, and help the vocal cords to heal:
Medical treatmentIt may be possible to treat the underlying cause of laryngitis by using:
PreventionThe risk of developing laryngitis can be reduced by:
ReferencesMayo Clinic (2018). Laryngitis (Web Page). Rochester, NY: Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374262 [Accessed: 20/03/19] Created: April 2019 Go to our Medical Library Index Page to find information on other medical conditions. The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. Why am I losing my voice and my throat hurts?Risk factors for laryngitis include: Having a respiratory infection, such as a cold, bronchitis or sinusitis. Exposure to irritating substances, such as cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol intake, stomach acid or workplace chemicals. Overusing your voice, by speaking too much, speaking too loudly, shouting or singing.
Is laryngitis a form of Covid?Conclusion: Previous variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection affected predominantly the lower respiratory tract and were associated with loss of smell and taste in many patients. The Omicron variant seems to affect predominantly the upper airways and cause acute laryngitis without olfactory dysfunction.
Is losing your voice a symptom of long Covid?As a result of the COVID-19 virus you may experience some temporary changes to the sound of your voice, and to your comfort and effort levels when using it. These changes are similar to the changes you would expect to experience with a cold or 'flu, but are expected to be more intense and longer lasting.
How do I know if I have laryngitis or just lost my voice?The most common sign of laryngitis is hoarseness. Changes in your voice can vary with the degree of infection or irritation, ranging from mild hoarseness to almost total loss of your voice. If you have chronic hoarseness, your doctor may review your medical history and symptoms.
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