|
|
Introduction
Laryngitis is inflammation of the vocal cords,
resulting in hoarseness of the voice. It can be short
lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Most of the
time, laryngitis comes on quickly and lasts as long as
two weeks.
Laryngitis, an inflammation of the
larynx, occurs in two forms. Acute, which lasts only a
few days; and chronic, which persists over a period of
weeks or months. The problem is most common in late
fall, winter, or early spring. With or without
treatment, you should be well in 7 to 14 days.
Causes
Laryngitis may result from prolonged straining of
the voice. It also may occur as an isolated local
infection of the larynx as part of another, more
serious underlying disorder, such as pneumonia or
tuberculosis. The infection may be localized to
the larynx , or it may be part of a wider respiratory
tract infection such as a cold or flu. Most cases of
laryngitis are caused by viral infections, but
bacterial infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
can also result in inflammation of the vocal cords.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux
disease, can cause chronic laryngitis.
Some of the most common causes are:
- An upper respiratory infection, especially a cold or
flu.
- Straining or overusing the voice, such as by
prolonged loud talking, shouting, cheering, or
singing.
- Allergies.
- Exposure to irritants, such as smoke or chemicals.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is called
reflux laryngitis.
Symptoms
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Weak or absent voice
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Restlessness
- Air hunger
- Fatigue
Treatment
If laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection,
antibiotics will be prescribed.
Some palliative measures that can be taken include:
- Avoid public speaking during recovery
- Be aware that whispering puts greater strain on the
vocal cords than normal speaking
- Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or from a warm
shower
- Drink warm, soothing liquids
- Try a cool-mist humidifier; avoid air conditioning
- Avoid cigarettes until the symptoms have subsided
- Avoid loud speech such as shouting or singing.
If Diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza, or Moxarella
catarrhalis are suspected, then antibiotics usually
are prescribed.
|
