What is Laryngitis? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Laryngitis is inflammation of your voice box (larynx), which houses your vocal cords. When your larynx becomes swollen or irritated, your voice becomes hoarse, weak, or may disappear entirely.

This common condition affects millions of people each year and usually resolves on its own within a week or two. Most cases are temporary and caused by viral infections, though some factors can make symptoms linger longer than expected.

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis occurs when the tissues in your larynx become inflamed and swollen. Your larynx sits at the top of your windpipe and contains two vocal cords that vibrate to produce sound when you speak.

When inflammation strikes, your vocal cords can't vibrate normally. This creates the hallmark hoarse, raspy voice that makes laryngitis so recognizable. The swelling also narrows your airway slightly, which can make breathing feel different.

There are two main types: acute laryngitis lasts less than three weeks, while chronic laryngitis persists for more than three weeks. Acute cases are far more common and usually clear up without special treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Laryngitis?

The most obvious sign is changes to your voice, but laryngitis can affect you in several ways. Your symptoms might develop gradually over a day or two, or appear suddenly after straining your voice.

Here's what you might experience:

• Hoarse, raspy, or weak voice
• Complete loss of voice
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Dry cough that won't go away
• Feeling like you need to clear your throat constantly
• Throat pain when swallowing or talking
• Sensation of a lump in your throat

Most people notice their voice changes first, followed by throat discomfort. If you have a viral infection causing your laryngitis, you might also experience fever, body aches, or congestion.

In rare cases, severe swelling can make breathing difficult. This is more likely to happen in children because their airways are smaller than adults.

What are the Types of Laryngitis?

Laryngitis falls into two main categories based on how long symptoms last. Understanding which type you have helps predict how long recovery might take.

Acute laryngitis develops quickly and typically resolves within one to three weeks. This is the type most people experience when they catch a cold or overuse their voice at a concert or sports event.

Chronic laryngitis persists for more than three weeks and often indicates an ongoing irritant or underlying condition. This type requires medical attention to identify and address the root cause.

Chronic laryngitis can be more challenging to treat because it often involves lifestyle factors or medical conditions that need long-term management.

What Causes Laryngitis?

Most cases of laryngitis stem from viral infections, but several other factors can inflame your vocal cords. Understanding the cause helps determine the best treatment approach.

The most common causes include:

• Viral infections (cold, flu, or respiratory viruses)
• Overusing your voice (yelling, singing, or talking loudly)
• Bacterial infections (less common than viral)
• Acid reflux that reaches your throat
• Allergies that cause throat irritation
• Inhaling irritants like smoke or chemicals
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Viral infections cause about 90% of acute laryngitis cases. These viruses are the same ones that cause common colds and typically run their course within a week or two.

Less common but important causes include fungal infections (especially in people with weakened immune systems), certain medications that dry out your throat, and rarely, autoimmune conditions that affect your vocal cords.

When to See a Doctor for Laryngitis?

Most laryngitis cases resolve on their own with rest and home care. However, certain symptoms signal that you need medical attention sooner rather than later.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• High fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Severe throat pain that prevents eating or drinking
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm
• Symptoms lasting more than two weeks
• Complete voice loss for more than a few days

Seek immediate medical care if you have trouble breathing, severe difficulty swallowing, or if your skin turns blue around your lips or fingernails. These signs suggest serious swelling that needs urgent treatment.

Children with laryngitis should see a doctor if they have drooling, difficulty swallowing, or make high-pitched sounds when breathing in.

What are the Risk Factors for Laryngitis?

Certain factors make you more likely to develop laryngitis or experience recurring episodes. Some of these you can control, while others are part of your natural circumstances.

Factors that increase your risk include:

• Frequent upper respiratory infections
• Jobs requiring heavy voice use (teachers, singers, coaches)
• Exposure to irritating substances or smoke
• Acid reflux disease
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Age (older adults have higher risk)
• Weakened immune system
• Chronic sinusitis or allergies

Professional voice users like teachers, singers, and public speakers face higher risks because they strain their vocal cords regularly. People with acid reflux also experience more frequent episodes because stomach acid can reach and irritate the throat.

Environmental factors play a significant role too. Living in areas with poor air quality, working around chemicals, or spending time in smoky environments increases your chances of developing laryngitis.

What are the Possible Complications of Laryngitis?

While most laryngitis cases resolve without problems, complications can occur, especially with chronic cases or if underlying causes aren't addressed properly.

Potential complications include:

• Permanent voice changes or hoarseness
• Vocal cord nodules or polyps from chronic irritation
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Breathing difficulties from severe swelling
• Chronic cough that persists after other symptoms resolve

Chronic laryngitis poses the greatest risk for long-term complications. Ongoing inflammation can lead to structural changes in your vocal cords, potentially causing permanent voice alterations.

In rare cases, severe acute laryngitis can cause significant airway swelling, particularly in young children. This situation requires immediate medical intervention to prevent breathing problems.

How Can Laryngitis be Prevented?

You can reduce your risk of developing laryngitis by protecting your vocal cords and avoiding common irritants. Simple lifestyle adjustments make a significant difference in prevention.

Effective prevention strategies include:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent viral infections
• Use your voice wisely and avoid shouting or whispering
• Manage acid reflux with dietary changes and medication if needed
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Use a humidifier in dry environments
• Get adequate sleep to support your immune system

If you use your voice professionally, learn proper vocal techniques and take regular breaks. Voice coaches can teach you breathing exercises and speaking methods that reduce strain on your vocal cords.

Managing underlying conditions like allergies or acid reflux significantly reduces your risk of recurring laryngitis episodes.

How is Laryngitis Diagnosed?

Doctors typically diagnose laryngitis based on your symptoms and a physical examination. The process is usually straightforward, especially for acute cases with obvious triggers.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, recent illnesses, and voice use patterns. They'll examine your throat and may gently feel your neck to check for swollen lymph nodes.

For chronic or complicated cases, additional tests might include:

• Laryngoscopy (viewing your vocal cords with a small camera)
• Voice analysis to assess vocal cord function
• Allergy testing if allergies are suspected
• Acid reflux testing if GERD is likely
• Throat culture if bacterial infection is possible

Laryngoscopy provides the clearest view of your vocal cords and helps identify structural problems, inflammation severity, or other abnormalities that might require specific treatment.

What is the Treatment for Laryngitis?

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and addressing underlying causes. Most acute cases improve with conservative measures and time for healing.

Common treatment approaches include:

• Voice rest (limiting talking and avoiding whispering)
• Staying well-hydrated with water and warm liquids
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for throat discomfort
• Avoiding irritants like smoke and alcohol
• Treating underlying conditions like acid reflux

For bacterial infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Corticosteroids might be recommended for severe inflammation, especially if you need your voice for work or important events.

Chronic laryngitis requires treating the underlying cause. This might involve acid reflux medications, allergy management, voice therapy, or lifestyle changes to eliminate irritants.

How to Take Home Treatment During Laryngitis?

Home remedies can significantly ease your symptoms and speed recovery. The key is giving your vocal cords the rest and support they need to heal properly.

Effective home treatments include:

• Rest your voice completely or speak only when necessary
• Drink warm water, herbal teas, or warm broth throughout the day
• Gargle with warm salt water several times daily
• Use throat lozenges to keep your throat moist
• Breathe steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce throat irritation
• Avoid clearing your throat forcefully

Voice rest is crucial but avoid whispering, which actually strains your vocal cords more than normal speech. When you must speak, use a soft, breathy voice instead.

Honey can soothe throat irritation, but avoid giving it to children under one year old. Warm liquids feel comforting and help keep your throat tissues hydrated.

How Should You Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment?

Being prepared for your appointment helps your doctor understand your condition better and develop an effective treatment plan. Think about your symptoms and recent activities before your visit.

Before your appointment, consider:

• When your symptoms started and how they've changed
• What might have triggered your laryngitis
• Your recent voice use patterns
• Any medications you're currently taking
• Other health conditions you have
• Questions about treatment options and recovery time

Write down your symptoms and their timeline. Note if certain activities make them better or worse, and mention any home remedies you've already tried.

Bring a list of your medications, including over-the-counter supplements. This helps your doctor avoid prescribing anything that might interact with what you're already taking.

What's the Key Takeaway About Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is usually a temporary condition that resolves with proper care and patience. Most cases are caused by viral infections and improve within one to two weeks with rest and supportive treatment.

The most important steps are resting your voice, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants while your vocal cords heal. Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, severe symptoms, or if problems persist beyond two weeks.

Remember that your voice is worth protecting. Learning to use it properly and managing underlying health conditions can prevent future episodes and keep your vocal cords healthy for years to come.