Laryngitis is when your voice box, known as the larynx, gets inflamed, leading to a hoarse voice or even voice loss along with a sore, dry, or itchy throat. This can happen due to things like viral infections, allergies, smoking, or overusing your voice.
The main goal of treating laryngitis is to ease the symptoms and help heal your vocal cords. You can usually do this with home remedies or medication, depending on what triggered it. Laryngitis can affect anyone, but it’s especially common among adults who use their voices a lot, like teachers or singers.
There are two types of laryngitis: acute, which is short-term, and chronic, which lingers for a while. Acute laryngitis typically lasts for one to two weeks and can be caused by infections or harming your voice box. Chronic laryngitis sticks around for three weeks or more, often cropping up due to smoking, allergies, acid reflux, or vocal cord damage.
The most noticeable sign of laryngitis is having a hoarse or raspy voice. In some cases, your voice might get so weak you’re almost whispering, or you might not have a voice at all. Other symptoms can pop up, too.
Acute laryngitis is often temporary, usually clearing up in about two weeks or so. It’s most often brought on by viral infections like the common cold or flu, which cause the vocal cords to swell. Chronic laryngitis can be linked to ongoing health issues, and various factors can increase your risk of getting laryngitis.
To diagnose laryngitis, a doctor will check you out physically and ask about your symptoms and medical history, like when the symptoms started or if you recently had a respiratory infection and whether you are often in environments with irritants. They might also use a laryngoscope—an instrument with a light and camera—to look at your larynx and vocal cords to spot inflammation or abnormalities.
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and heal the vocal cords, taking into account the type and cause of laryngitis. Acute laryngitis often resolves on its own with time and care, including rest and over-the-counter medications if necessary. Treating existing conditions like allergies or acid reflux might also help.
Sometimes, laryngitis is caused by bacterial or fungal infections, which might require antibiotics or antifungal medications. For ongoing or severe cases, voice therapy might be recommended to learn how to use your voice correctly and avoid future issues.
While you can’t always prevent acute laryngitis, especially since it’s often tied to infections, some steps can help prevent chronic cases. It’s important to give your voice a break, avoid things that irritate your throat, stay hydrated, and use pain relievers if needed.
Laryngitis itself doesn’t spread from person to person, though the germs that cause it can. Usually, acute laryngitis from a virus will go away in about a week or two with proper care. Chronic laryngitis requires a healthcare provider to figure out what’s causing it so they can recommend the best treatment. Always rest your voice and avoid overusing it to help your vocal cords recover faster.
