Laryngitis

What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation, or infection that causes your voice to become raspy, hoarse, or almost undetectable.

Laryngitis can be short-term (acute) or long lasting (chronic). Most cases are acute, and as such they come on quickly and last no more than 2 weeks. Most acute cases are triggered by a viral infection or vocal strain and are not serious.

Chronic symptoms are those that last 2 weeks or longer. Persistent hoarseness can signal a more serious underlying condition.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

The main symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness. Laryngitis can also cause your voice to sound deeper than normal, break every now and then, and to virtually lose the ability to make sound. Other symptoms may include a dry or sore throat, coughing, and difficulty swallowing.

What is the treatment of laryngitis?

At home treatment includes resting your voice, increasing fluid intake, and adding moisture to the air with a vaporizer or humidifier. Avoiding first and second hand smoking is also important. Voice rest is important if your laryngitis is due to voice overuse.

Visit a Take Care Health Provider if the hoarseness persists for more than 2 weeks.