Laryngitis refers to the inflammation of the larynx (voice box), typically resulting in dysphonia (hoarseness) or aphonia (complete loss of voice). The condition can be acute, usually due to viral infections, or chronic, often associated with prolonged exposure to irritants or vocal strain.
Patients with laryngitis commonly present with:
· Hoarseness or loss of voice (aphonia)
· Odynophonia – pain or discomfort while speaking
· Throat irritation or scratchiness
· Dry cough
· Throat clearing
· Mild odynophagia (pain on swallowing)
In chronic cases, symptoms may persist for more than three weeks, often fluctuating in severity depending on voice use and environmental exposures.
Etiology: Acute vs. Chronic Laryngitis
· Acute Laryngitis: Most often viral in origin (e.g., rhinovirus, influenza, adenovirus), resolving spontaneously in 7–10 days.
· Chronic Laryngitis: May be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, vocal overuse, environmental pollutants, or chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infections).
Diagnosis of Laryngitis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and physical examination. An otolaryngologist may perform:
· Indirect or direct laryngoscopy – using a mirror or flexible fiberoptic scope to assess the vocal cords and laryngeal mucosa for inflammation, lesions, or nodules.
· Stroboscopy – in chronic or complex cases to evaluate vocal cord movement.
· Additional tests may be warranted in cases of persistent hoarseness to rule out vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal malignancy.
Management and Treatment of Laryngitis
Treatment is guided by the underlying etiology and symptom severity.
Conservative Measures:
· Voice rest – Avoid phonation to reduce mechanical strain on the vocal cords.
· Hydration – Adequate fluid intake to keep mucous membranes moist.
· Steam inhalation or humidifiers – Help alleviate throat dryness.
· Avoidance of irritants – Eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, dust, and chemical fumes.
Pharmacological Options:
· Analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs) – For throat pain and inflammation.
· Antibiotics – Only in cases of bacterial superinfection (rare).
· Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – If laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a contributing factor.
· Antihistamines or corticosteroids – May be considered in allergic or severe inflammatory cases.
Other Therapies:
· Speech therapy – Beneficial in chronic laryngitis, voice misuse, or post-surgical voice rehabilitation.
· Behavioral modification – For vocal hygiene education and proper phonation techniques.
Suggestions for Patients & Readers
· Seek medical evaluation if hoarseness persists beyond 2–3 weeks, especially in individuals with a history of smoking or GERD.
· Avoid whispering excessively, as it may strain the vocal cords more than soft speech.
· Laryngitis is often self-limiting, but chronic or recurrent cases may indicate underlying systemic or occupational issues and should be investigated by an ENT specialist.
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