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What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. The larynx, or voice box, belongs to the respiratory system and contains the vocal cords. In laryngitis, the vocal cords become inflamed or irritated. The swelling distorts the sounds produced by the air passing over them, causing the voice to sound hoarse or to be temporarily lost.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

Some of the more typical symptoms may include: a hoarse voice, or losing the voice; difficulty swallowing; a sore throat; a dry throat with the sensation of tickling, and; mild fever.

What causes laryngitis?

There are two types of laryngitis - acute and chronic. Acute laryngitis is typically caused by a viral infection. Laryngitis that persists beyond 2-3 weeks is classified as chronic and is commonly caused by irritants, such as stomach acid or smoke.

Who can develop laryngitis?

Adults between the ages of 18-40 years are most commonly affected by laryngitis.

How is laryngitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of acute laryngitis is generally straightforward and involves taking a medical history and performing an examination, typically of the ears, nose and throat. When the laryngitis is chronic, there may be need for further testing such as a blood test, …

How is laryngitis treated?

Acute laryngitis typically resolves on its own without any intervention. Home care may include: drinking lots of fluids; taking over-the-counter pain-relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as recommended; breathing in humidified air, using a …

Will laryngitis clear on its own?

Most cases of acute laryngitis will resolve on their own. Chronic laryngitis, however, may require changes to lifestyle habits (in cases of underlying causes), use of medications, or surgery if there are vocal cord nodules or polyps.

What can be done at home to treat laryngitis?

Home care includes resting your voice, drinking lots of fluids, taking pain-relief medications, and using an air humidifier.

Is laryngitis contagious?

Acute laryngitis is contagious since it is caused by a viral infection. To avoid an infection, avoid sharing kitchen utensils and maintain good hygiene, such as thorough and frequent hand washing.

Can laryngitis be prevented?

Acute laryngitis may be prevented by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people. Ensure your children receive the Haemophilus influenza vaccine to protect them against the flu, which can cause acute laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis …

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About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 986 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Strep throat

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