Laryngitis - SP Medifort Hospital

Laryngitis Treatment

Laryngitis Treatment In South India

Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx), the part of the throat that houses the vocal cords. When the vocal cords are inflamed or irritated, they swell and do not vibrate smoothly, which changes the sound of your voice. This typically results in hoarseness or a weak, strained voice, and in some cases the voice may be lost temporarily.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Laryngitis?

Laryngitis affects the voice and may cause symptoms such as:

Temporary Loss of Voice.
Sore or Tickly Throat.
Dry Cough.
Frequent Throat Clearing.
Mild Fever Or Discomfort.
Hoarseness Or Weak Voice.

What are the different types of Laryngitis?

Two types of laryngitis exist. That are:

Acute Laryngitis: Acute laryngitis is a short-term inflammation of the larynx (voice box), usually caused by viral infections, excessive use of the voice, or exposure to irritants such as smoke. Symptoms typically include hoarseness, sore throat, and sometimes a dry cough, and they generally last less than 2–3 weeks.
Chronic Laryngitis: Chronic laryngitis is a long-term inflammation of the larynx that persists for more than 3 weeks. It is often caused by ongoing irritants such as smoking, acid reflux (GERD), alcohol, allergies, or repeated strain on the vocal cords. Chronic laryngitis can lead to prolonged hoarseness and may require medical treatment to prevent permanent damage to the vocal cords.

What causes Laryngitis?

The causes can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), depending on the underlying factor.

Viral Infections: Viral infections are the most common cause of laryngitis. Cold, flu, and other upper respiratory infections can inflame the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness, sore throat, and temporary loss of voice.
Vocal Strain: Overusing the voice by shouting, singing, or speaking loudly for long periods can irritate the vocal cords. This strain can trigger acute laryngitis and worsen existing inflammation.
Irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, alcohol, or allergens can inflame the larynx. Air pollution and chemical irritants can also make symptoms worse, contributing to both acute and chronic laryngitis.
Acid Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid that flows back into the throat can irritate the larynx. This is a common cause of chronic laryngitis, leading to persistent hoarseness and throat discomfort.
Bacterial Or Fungal Infections: Though less common, bacterial or fungal infections can affect the larynx. These infections may require antibiotics or antifungal treatment to resolve the inflammation.
Chronic Irritation: Long-term exposure to irritants, smoking, or repeated voice strain can lead to chronic laryngitis. In such cases, inflammation lasts for weeks or months and may require medical intervention.

Diagnosis of Laryngitis

The most common sign of laryngitis is hoarseness. Main treatments used to diagnose laryngitis:

Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long they have lasted, recent illnesses, voice use, and exposure to irritants like smoke or chemicals. This helps identify possible causes of the inflammation.
Physical Examination: A healthcare provider examines the throat, neck, and vocal cords. They may check for swelling, redness, or other signs of irritation in the larynx.
Laryngoscopy: If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks or symptoms are severe, a doctor may perform a laryngoscopy to examine the vocal cords directly. This procedure allows the doctor to identify inflammation, infections, structural abnormalities, or other underlying conditions affecting the larynx.
Additional Tests: In some cases, further tests like imaging (CT or MRI) or laboratory tests may be needed to rule out infections, reflux complications, or rare causes of chronic laryngitis.

What are the Laryngitis risk factors?

Risk factors for laryngitis include:

Respiratory Infections: Having a cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, or other upper respiratory infection increases the likelihood of laryngitis because these illnesses commonly irritate the vocal cords and surrounding tissues.
Exposure To Irritants: Breathing in irritating substances such as cigarette smoke, workplace chemicals, dust, allergens, or air pollution can inflame the larynx. Smoking and secondhand smoke are among the strongest risk factors.
Overuse Or Strain Of The Voice: Frequent yelling, singing, talking loudly, or extensive voice use (as seen in singers, teachers, or cheerleaders) can strain the vocal cords and increase the risk of laryngitis.
Acid Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid that flows back into the throat (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can irritate the vocal cords repeatedly, leading to chronic inflammation and hoarseness.
Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption can dry and irritate the throat, making the larynx more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
Allergies And Chronic Sinus Problems: Allergic reactions and persistent sinusitis contribute to postnasal drip, which can chronically irritate the larynx and vocal cords.
Other Contributing Factors: Certain health conditions, such as asthma, use of steroid inhalers, or a weakened immune system, may also increase the risk of laryngitis. Environmental exposures and vocal misuse can further exacerbate symptoms.

What treatment options are available for Laryngitis?

common laryngitis treatments include:

Medications: Medications for laryngitis are used mainly to reduce inflammation or treat underlying causes. Antibiotics are only needed for bacterial infections, corticosteroids help with severe swelling, and other drugs can address issues like allergies, acid reflux, or post-nasal drip.

Self-Care And Supportive Measures: For most cases, especially acute laryngitis, resting the voice and avoiding strain allows the vocal cords to heal. Staying hydrated and inhaling moist air can soothe irritation and promote recovery

Voice Rest: Limiting the use of your voice by speaking softly, avoiding shouting or singing, and keeping conversation minimal helps the vocal cords heal. Whispering should also be avoided, as it can strain the voice more than normal talking.

Hydration And Throat Comfort: Keeping the throat moist helps reduce irritation and discomfort. Sipping warm fluids and using throat lozenges can soothe the inflamed area. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine (which can dehydrate) and not clearing the throat repeatedly also help prevent further irritation.

Surgery (Rarely Needed): In uncommon cases where structural problems, growths, or persistent inflammation don’t respond to other treatments, an ENT specialist may recommend surgery to correct abnormalities or remove lesions affecting the vocal cords.