At times, illnesses can bring about numerous complications and challenges, some of which may prove challenging to manage or resolve. Amongst these complications is laryngitis. Laryngitis occurs when the larynx is swollen; in simple words, it is the inflammation of the larynx. The inflammation is typically temporary and does not have serious consequences.
The vocal cords are located in the larynx. They are vital for breathing, swallowing, and speaking. The vocal cords normally open and close to produce sound in a smooth and continuous motion. When a person has laryngitis, their vocal cords swell. Due to this swelling, the vibrations of the vocal cords and the sound produced by the mucous membrane are altered, which affects the overall sound. Individuals suffering from laryngitis frequently exhibit a raspy voice or one that is too faint to be heard clearly.
Laryngitis Causes
There are a number of conditions causing inflammation of the larynx or laryngitis. Acute and chronic forms of laryngitis are usually caused by a variety of factors.
Laryngitis Causes
Infections
The most common cause of laryngitis is a viral infection, typically from viruses similar to those that cause common colds or the flu. Additionally, when overusing your voice, such as through loud singing or excessive shouting, it can lead to inflammation of the larynx.
In rare cases, laryngitis can be caused by diphtheria, a bacterial infection spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing.
There are several other causes of chronic laryngitis. Common causes of chronic laryngitis are:
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Chronic sinusitis
- Excessive coughing
- Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid and its contents move up into the throat
- Inhaling irritants such as allergens or toxic fumes
Laryngitis Symptoms
Laryngitis can cause a wide range of symptoms in adults, including:
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty speaking
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Need to clear your throat frequently and expectorate
- Low fever
These symptoms start unexpectedly and often get worse over 2 to 3 days. If symptoms last longer than 3 weeks, it is likely chronic. This indicates that there is a more serious underlying cause. If a sore throat lasts for more than 3 weeks, the patient should contact a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is often related to other illnesses. A throat infection, cold, or flu can occur along with laryngitis. If an individual suffers from one of these illnesses along with a sore throat, they may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Swollen glands
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Pain when swallowing
- Fatigue and lethargy
Symptoms of Laryngitis in Infants and Children
Acute laryngitis is also seen in many children and infants. Commonly, this disorder in children begins with a cold lasting 2 to 3 days. Symptoms of laryngitis in infants and children include:
- Wheezing (a wheezing sound in the chest when breathing)
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the airway (Larynx)
How to Prevent Laryngitis?
Given that laryngitis or inflammation of the larynx is not a severe disease and can be treated or healed within days. For this reason, it is better to be aware of preventing the disease before it is too late. Some of the factors that can aid in preventing laryngitis effectively are the following:
- Avoid dryness and irritation of the larynx
One of the most important points that can be effective in preventing laryngitis is not to keep your throat and vocal cords dry, as this can irritate the larynx. It is better to drink water regularly and by doing so, provide the necessary moisture for your respiratory system and larynx.
Prevent Laryngitis
- Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption
Smoking can increase your risk of developing laryngitis, especially chronic laryngitis. Cigarette smoke can dry out your larynx and throat, which can increase your risk of developing laryngitis. Excessive and long-term consumption of alcohol can also dehydrate the body, making the respiratory tract, throat, and larynx dry and vulnerable.
Pepper in food can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat. Also, spicy food generally causes gastroesophageal reflux, which increases the risk of laryngitis. In this case, if you want to prevent this disease, it is better to minimize the consumption of spicy foods.
Laryngitis Treatment
Before examining the medical and therapeutic methods of laryngitis, it is wiser to be cautious of factors that can reduce the severity of the symptoms of laryngitis. For this reason, when examining a patient with laryngitis, many doctors prescribe drinking fluids, reducing the use of the vocal cords, increasing air humidity, etc. However, depending on the severity of the illness, both medical and home remedies can help treat laryngitis.
Medical Treatments for Laryngitis
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are effective for non-viral laryngitis. Therefore, if a doctor determines that a patient’s laryngitis is caused by a virus, they will not prescribe any antibiotics.
Laryngitis Treatment
Corticosteroids: These types of medications can be effective in reducing inflammation in the patient’s vocal cords in various situations. However, this treatment is only performed when the patient needs immediate treatment, such as laryngitis in infants and toddlers.
Surgery: Surgical treatment is prescribed when the patient’s laryngitis has reached a very severe stage and medical methods have not been effective for any reason.
Home Remedies for Laryngitis
Salt Water Gargle: Experience and scientific research and studies show that gargling salt water can have a soothing effect on fighting germs. Therefore, gargling salt water is highly effective in treating bacterial infections causing laryngitis.
Using a Humidifier: Vocal cords are made up of three layers, and the middle layer, which is gel-like, becomes swollen and inflamed when laryngitis occurs. In such cases, using a humidifier can restore the moisture and gel properties of this layer, thereby helping to improve laryngitis.
Is Laryngitis Contagious?
Laryngitis can only be contagious if the condition is infectious. Upper respiratory tract infections, Laryngitis, and colds or flu are usually viral and contagious infections that are spread by tiny airborne particles.
Laryngitis Diagnosis
This means that the infection is the main cause of inflammation of the larynx. Laryngitis itself is a symptom caused by bacteria and viruses.
How Long Laryngitis Last?
The vocal cords are two small folds of mucous membranes covering cartilage and muscle that vibrate to produce sound. Laryngitis is often caused by an acute viral infection.
These infections are usually mild and last for a period of 3-7 days. In chronic Laryngitis, the inflammation continues. The vocal cords can become stretched and grow, such as polyps or nodules.
Final Word
Laryngitis is a disease of the vocal cords that causes inflammation of the vocal cord mucosa. Many factors can lead to inflammation, some of which are viral and bacterial. Symptoms of the disease may vary slightly from person to person, but in most cases, people experience symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. This disease can also affect children, especially children under the age of 5.
Common causes include viral infections, overuse of the voice, acid reflux, smoking, and exposure to irritants and allergens. The first and most significant step to take is to pay attention to the symptoms of laryngitis and to see a healthcare specialist as soon as possible. The specialist will help you to achieve the best diagnosis and treatment through online consultation or even in-person visits and examinations.
