What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. The larynx, or voice box, is a part of 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.

Laryngitis can be either acute or chronic. Laryngitis that persists beyond two or three weeks is classified as chronic.

Inflammation

A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.

Vocal cords

Two tight bands of mucous membrane located in the voice box that vibrate to create vocal sounds such as speech.

What is the larynx?

The larynx is made up of muscles and cartilage that are bound together by elastic tissues. The larynx helps us speak and breathe.

Air passes in and out of the larynx with every inhalation and exhalation. The air from the lungs passes over the stretched vocal cords and vibrations are modified by the tongue, palate and lips to create speech.

The anatomy of the larynx.Laryngitis is an inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords. 

Cartilage

A tough, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body including the joints and larynx.

Inflammation

A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.

Vocal cords

Two tight bands of mucous membrane located in the voice box that vibrate to create vocal sounds such as speech.

Palate

The roof of the mouth, composed of bone in the front (the hard palate) and a softer tissue at the back (the soft palate).

Causes

Acute laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is typically caused by a viral infection. It is more common in adults aged between 18-40 years.

Other causes of laryngitis include:

  • Bacterial infection;
  • Fungal infection - this tends to be more common in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, and;
  • Incorrect use of asthma medication inhalers.

Chronic laryngitis

Laryngitis that persists for more than two or three weeks is considered chronic. Chronic laryngitis is most commonly caused by irritants, such as stomach acid, from conditions such as heartburn.

Other potential causes of chronic laryngitis may include:

  • Chronic sinusitis;
  • Excessive alcohol use;
  • Habitual overuse of the voice, such as by singers or actors;
  • Smoking;
  • Vocal cord polyps or nodules;
  • Inhaled irritants such as allergens or workplace chemicals;
  • Cancer;
  • Thyroid disease;
  • Stroke, and;
  • Neurological disorders, commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease or myasthenia gravis.

Allergens

An environmental substance that, although not harmful in itself, elicits a vigorous reaction from the immune system.

Chemotherapy

A medication-based treatment, usually used in the treatment of cancers. There are numerous, different types of chemotherapy drugs that can be prescribed by a specialist. These can commonly be used alongside other cancer treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy.

Fungal infection

Any inflammatory condition caused by a fungus, a certain type of microscopic organism that includes yeasts, molds and mushrooms.

HIV

A virus transmitted mainly by sexual or blood-to-blood contact, that infects cells of the immune system. It is the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Immune systems

The organs and cells involved in protecting the body against infection.

Infection

Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.

Myasthenia gravis

An autoimmune condition in which antibodies interfere with nerve signals as they travel from nerves to muscles. It causes symptoms of muscle weakness all over the body, which tends to get worse the more a muscle is used.

Neurological

Of the nervous system, including the brain.

Polyps

A small growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.

Thyroid

A large gland located in the lower front part of the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, especially during childhood.

Viral

Pertaining to an illness caused by a virus.

Bacterial

Relating to bacteria, which are microscopic organisms with DNA, but no definite nucleus. They are capable of causing many diseases in humans.

Motor neurone disease

A group of conditions that causes degeneration of nerves, which leads to muscle wasting and difficulty moving, speaking, swallowing and eventually breathing.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms may vary in severity, according to the underlying cause, but some of the more typical symptoms may include:

  • A sore throat;
  • Hoarse voice, or absence of voice;
  • Mild fever;
  • Dry throat with a tickling sensation, and;
  • Breathing difficulties (not very common).

If the laryngitis is part of a more widespread infection, other symptoms may be apparent and may include:

  • Headache;
  • Fatigue;
  • Swollen lymph nodes;
  • Increased saliva in the mouth;
  • Runny nose;
  • Painful swallowing, and;
  • Generalized aches and pains.

The symptoms of acute laryngitis tend to worsen over two or three days, but then start to ease and resolve within a week or so. The croaky voice may persist for longer than a week, as the inflammation may take some time to settle.

Croup

Croup is a type of laryngitis caused by a viral infection and specifically affects young children, typically up until the age of six years. Croup is associated with swelling and inflammation of the larynx and its surrounding structures, including the trachea and airways to the lung.

Symptoms of croup include:

  • A distinctive cough that can sound like a bark;
  • Mild fever;
  • Noisy breathing, and;
  • Breathing difficulties, if the swelling is severe.

Fatigue

A state of exhaustion and weakness.

Headache

Pain across the face, eye, ears and other head or neck areas. Can be a dull ache, stabbing or throbbing pain.

Infection

Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.

Inflammation

A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.

Viral

Pertaining to an illness caused by a virus.

Methods for diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute laryngitis is generally straightforward and involves taking a medical history and performing an examination, typically of the ears, nose and throat. Most cases do not require any further testing in order to confirm the diagnosis.

When the laryngitis is chronic, there may be the need for further testing such as a blood test, X-ray and possibly a laryngoscopy to examine the back of the throat. During a laryngoscopy, a thin tube containing a fiber-optic camera is inserted through the nose and down the back of the throat, to see if the vocal cords are inflamed, and to identify any polyps or nodules.

Polyps

A small growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.

Vocal cords

Two tight bands of mucous membrane located in the voice box that vibrate to create vocal sounds such as speech.

X-ray

A scan that uses ionizing radiation beams to create an image of the body’s internal structures.

Types of treatment

Acute laryngitis

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. They can ease the pain, as well as ease fever and headache;
  • Breathing in humidified air, using a humidifier, and;
  • Voice rest - refraining from shouting and singing. Quiet conversation is generally OK, but whispering makes the larynx work harder, so is best avoided.

Severe cases of acute laryngitis may involve a short course of steroids such as prednisolone or dexamethasone to decrease the inflammation and speed recovery, but this tends to be limited for use in people with severe laryngitis that causes breathing difficulties.

It is not common to prescribe antibiotics for acute laryngitis, as most cases are caused by a virus. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Gargles, throat sprays or lozenges are generally ineffective as they will not reach the larynx, and are better used for other cases of sore throat.

Chronic laryngitis

The treatment of chronic laryngitis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

  • Quitting smoking;
  • Reducing alcohol consumption;
  • Treating the underlying medical condition - for instance, people with heartburn need to make lifestyle changes and take medication to reduce their stomach acid reflux, and;
  • Surgical removal of vocal cord nodules or polyps.

Headache

Pain across the face, eye, ears and other head or neck areas. Can be a dull ache, stabbing or throbbing pain.

Inflammation

A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.

Polyps

A small growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.

Virus

A microscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat.

Potential complications

  • Infection may spread to other parts of the respiratory tract, and;
  • In rare cases, it can be associated with severe respiratory distress, which requires urgent medical attention.

Infection

Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.

Prognosis

Laryngitis that does not have a serious underlying cause is not a serious condition and tends to resolve on its own.

Prevention

You can help to prevent laryngitis by:

  • Following good hand hygiene;
  • Limiting your exposure to others with upper respiratory tract infections;
  • Ensuring your children receive the Haemophilus influenza vaccine;
  • Not straining your voice, and;
  • Stopping smoking.

Upper respiratory tract

The nose, sinuses, larynx and trachea parts of the respiratory tract which function to carry air to and from the lungs.

FAQ Frequently asked questions