What is Laryngitis? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Your Larynx Plays a Role in Speech and Breathing 

Laryngitis is a common medical condition characterized by inflammation of the larynx, also known as the voice box. This inflammation results in a range of symptoms, most notably changes in voice quality. 

Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, are the most common cause of sudden laryngitis. Overusing your voice, through shouting or prolonged speaking, can also lead to laryngitis. Other causes include viral infections and harsh irritants like pollution.   

Inflammation of the voice box with laryngitis

Laryngitis is a medical condition that plays a crucial role in speech and breathing, it may become inflamed leading to discomfort and difficulty speaking. The larynx houses our vocal cords, and when they’re swollen and inflamed it causes changes in the voice, extreme hoarseness or even loss of your voice.

2 main types of laryngitis 

• Acute laryngitis –  a short-term condition that lasts less than three weeks 
• Chronic laryngitis – a long-term uncomfortable condition that persists for more than three weeks
  

Acute vs chronic laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is usually a temporary condition. It’s often caused by a viral infection or vocal strain and typically resolves on its own within a few weeks.

On the other hand, chronic laryngitis is more persistent and can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as acid reflux, allergies or exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. Chronic laryngitis requires medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic, and most can be discomforting. 

Common signs of laryngitis can include: 

• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Loss of voice
• Throat pain
• Dry cough
• Difficulty swallowing

When should you go to urgent care for laryngitis? 

While most cases of acute laryngitis resolve on their own, it’s important to seek medical attention if more intense symptoms persist. If you experience laryngitis symptoms for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare provider.

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include difficulty breathing, coughing up blood or severe throat pain and may indicate a more serious condition.

Causes and risk factors for laryngitis 

Often caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu, it may also result from straining the voice, such as from excessive talking, shouting, cheering or singing.

Risk factors for chronic laryngitis include: 

• Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure are among the most significant risk factors for developing chronic laryngitis.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up into the throat, can cause chronic laryngitis. 
• Other risk factors include environmental allergies and consistent exposure to chemical fumes or toxins.  

Laryngitis Treatment Options

Treatment for laryngitis focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. For most people, laryngitis resolves on its own within two weeks with proper rest and self-care.

• Rest your voice as much as possible.
• Stay hydrated to keep the throat moist and soothe irritation.
• Avoid irritants such as smoke and alcohol.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and soothe a dry throat.

Home remedies and self-care measures can be effective in managing minor laryngitis symptoms. Resting your voice is crucial to allow your vocal cords to heal. Avoid speaking as much as possible and when you do, speak softly rather than whispering – which can further strain the vocal cords.

Medical treatment for laryngitis

In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary for laryngitis. If a bacterial infection is causing it, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, which are the most common cause of laryngitis.

For severe or persistent laryngitis, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. If you have chronic laryngitis due to an underlying condition such as GERD or allergies, treating that condition can help relieve your laryngitis symptoms.

How can you prevent laryngitis? 

Preventing laryngitis involves taking steps to protect your vocal cords and reduce any exposure to irritants like smoke. Lifestyle changes and doctor-prescribed precautions can help prevent and soothe larynx inflammation:  

• Wash your hands regularly to prevent viral infections.
• Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke and secondhand smoke.  
• Avoid straining your voice, shouting or speaking loudly for prolonged periods.
• Limit alcohol intake because it can dry out your throat and irritate the vocal cords.
• If your job requires you to speak a lot, consider using a microphone.

If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions.

Book a reservation

Northern Nevada Urgent Care has two facilities located in Sparks and Reno, NV. We’re open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You may book an urgent care reservation seven days a week.

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Northern Nevada Medical Group 

Northern Nevada Health System is a regional multi-facility network offering quality care to residents of the greater Truckee Meadows. We have many locations across the region and in rural communities. Northern Nevada Medical Center, a 124-bed acute care hospital in Sparks, is our flagship provider. A second hospital, Sierra Medical Center, opened in 2022, the first full-service hospital built in the area in over a century.

Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness or breath or other life-threatening symptoms.