Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)

Neck | Otorhinolaryngology | Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) (Disease)


Description

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box. The most common symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness, loss of voice, and throat pain.

Symptoms of laryngitis in adults include dry cough, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, pain with swallowing, and a feeling of fullness in the throat or neck. Symptoms of laryngitis in infants in children include croup, hoarse barky cough, and fever.

Causes and Risk factors

Causes of laryngitis include upper respiratory infection or cold; excess talking, singing, or shouting; reflux laryngitis; chronic irritation of the vocal cords; or stroke. Laryngitis is contagious if it is caused by an infection.

Chronic laryngitis, in which the symptoms last for weeks, may be caused by by gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking, or alcohol use. Chronic inflammation due to laryngitis may cause nodules or polyps to form on the vocal cords.

Complications of laryngitis include pneumonia, GERD, chronic bronchitis, or vocal chord paralysis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment of laryngitis is usually symptomatic, home remedies, and resting the voice. If symptoms of laryngitis persist for more than a couple of weeks, further testing may be recommended.

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