What Is Laryngitis? What Causes Laryngitis?

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Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 24 Feb 2010 - 0:00 PDT

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Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, characterized by voice hoarseness. The larynx is located in the throat, and houses the voice box and protects the trachea, or airway. Inflammation causes a narrowing of the upper airways, which leads to a hoarseness of voice, or in some circumstances aphonia (a complete loss of voice).

Simply stated, according to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx.

Laryngitis that lasts less than three weeks is referred to as acute laryngitis, and is often associated with an upper respiratory infection due to a virus, or more rarely, bacteria.

Infection is the most common cause of acute laryngitis. This is usually a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other causes of acute laryngitis include misusing or overusing your voice, for example by shouting or singing too loud. The outlook for acute laryngitis is excellent. Most people will make a full recovery within three weeks without developing complications.

Chronic laryngitis can be caused by the following: cigarette smoke, alcohol misuse, gastro-esophageal reflux disease where acid leaks back up into the throat, environmental factors, such as dust, fumes and chemicals and some less common infections.

What are the symptoms Laryngitis?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

There exists a laundry list of potential symptoms one may notice. These include hoarseness, dry or sore throat, coughing, all of which can be a symptom of or a factor in causing laryngitis. Additionally, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the throat, chest, or face, fever and most severe, coughing out blood may be a sign of a chronic condition.

What are the causes of Laryngitis?

Acute laryngitis can be caused by either infection or damage/trauma to the larynx. The latter is sometimes referred to as mechanical laryngitis which is due to prolonged speaking or singing and very loud shouting. Singing can cause your vocal cords to vibrate at a faster rate than they normally should. The excessive vibration can damage the surface of your vocal cords, causing them to become inflamed.

Some lifestyle choices can cause more serious long-term chronic laryngitis. Smoking is one cause of chronic laryngitis. Persistent exposure to tobacco smoke can cause long-term inflammation of the larynx. Alcohol abuse also can cause extensive laryngitis because the active ingredient in alcohol (ethanol) contains many impurities that can irritate your larynx.

Regurgitated stomach acid can cause inflammation and irritation of your larynx and unavoidable allergic reactions to substances such as dust, fumes, chemicals and toxins can also cause chronic swelling of the throat.

Diagnosing Laryngitis

The diagnosis of laryngitis is based on symptoms and visualization, sometimes using either a special mirror or an endoscope. If symptoms last longer than three weeks, endoscopy should be performed to thoroughly visualize the larynx to differentiate between chronic laryngitis causes and masses that could be benign or, rarely, indicate cancer or tuberculosis infection.

A general practitioner may also conduct blood tests and take a small tissue sample from the throat using a cotton swab to check for the presence of a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

Laryngoscopy is the most common test performed to look directly at the vocal cords and evaluate their function, and is performed by using a thin tube containing a lighted fiberoptic camera inserted through the nose into the back of the throat to evaluate swelling.

What are the treatment options for Laryngitis?

Treatment is usually symptomatic, including voice rest. Treatments for viral laryngitis include plenty of fluids, humidified air, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, and the investment of time for recovery. Antibiotics are regularly prescribed for laryngitis, however bacterial sources of the condition are quite rare and therefore should not be prescribed unless a bacterium has been specifically identified or suspected.

Gargling with a mouthwash of warm, salty water and sucking lozenges will not reach the larynx, but may help soothe a sore throat. Various gargling solutions are available over-the-counter from pharmacies. Also, menthol inhalation and air humidifiers may help to clear airways.

Chronic symptoms can be avoided or rectified by curbing smoking and excessive drinking habits. The recommended daily alcohol limits are 3-4 units of alcohol for men, and 2-3 units for women. A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint beer or a small glass of wine.

If laryngitis is due to gastroesophageal reflux, a patient may be instructed to take a medication such as Zantac or Prilosec for a period of 4-6 weeks.

Preventing Laryngitis

Although laryngitis is a viral infection and often occurs at the same time as a cold or other infection, and there is no obvious way to prevent it, making small changes in day to day lifestyle can help.

Personal hygiene habits such as washing your hands before and after eating and after using the toilet can viral infections as well as avoiding people who are ill, particularly if one is prone to laryngitis historically.

Obviously smoking irritates the throat and causes cancer.

Finally, professional singers or people who regularly use their voice excessively are particularly prone to laryngitis. It is essential that they receive proper training so they do not damage or misuse their voice.

Written by Sy Kraft (B.A.)


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