Laryngitis – Symptoms and Causes

Understanding the Voice Box

Vocal Sound Production

Speech happens when air moves from the lungs through the windpipe and into the voice box. When this air passes through, it makes the vocal cords vibrate, creating sound.

Different muscles in the mouth, including those controlling the tongue, soft palate, and lips, then shape these sounds into words. This process allows us to speak clearly when our vocal system is working properly.

How Vocal Cords Function

Vocal cords are two bands of tissue in the voice box that work together to create sound. When we breathe, these cords stay open to let air pass freely.

When we speak, they close and vibrate as air passes between them, producing sound. This opening and closing happens quickly and smoothly in a healthy voice box.

Treatment Options

• Voice rest kits: Items that help people communicate without speaking.
• Humidifiers: Devices that add moisture to the air to soothe irritated vocal cords.
• Throat lozenges: Products that can reduce pain and irritation.
• Voice therapy sessions: Professional services to help recover proper speaking techniques.
• Warm salt water: A simple home remedy for gargling to reduce inflammation.

When the voice box becomes inflamed, a condition called laryngitis develops. This makes vocal cords swell, causing a hoarse voice or sometimes no voice at all.

Signs and Symptoms

Laryngitis typically appears with several noticeable signs. Most people experience hoarseness or a weak voice, which may progress to complete voice loss in some cases.

Many patients report a tickling sensation or rawness in their throat, often accompanied by throat pain. A dry throat is another common symptom that patients frequently mention.

A persistent dry cough often develops as the condition progresses. Symptoms usually improve within two weeks if caused by minor issues like viral infections, but can last longer in more serious cases.

When to See a Doctor

Most laryngitis cases get better with simple self-care like resting your voice and drinking fluids. However, some situations require medical attention.

Make an appointment with a doctor if your laryngitis lasts longer than two weeks.

When Adults Need Emergency Care

• If you have difficulty breathing
• If you cough up blood
• If you have a persistent fever
• If you notice increasing throat pain over several weeks

When Children Need Emergency Care

• If your child makes high-pitched sounds when breathing in (stridor)
• If you notice increased drooling
• If your child has trouble swallowing
• If breathing seems difficult
• If your child develops a fever

These signs might point to croup, which is swelling of the larynx and airway below it. While mild croup often can be managed at home, severe symptoms need medical evaluation.

These symptoms might also indicate epiglottitis—swelling of the tissue covering the windpipe—which can be dangerous for both children and adults.

Causes

Short-term Voice Box Inflammation

Short-term voice box inflammation usually resolves once the underlying cause improves. This temporary condition often stems from:

• Viral infections that resemble common colds.
• Voice strain from shouting or overuse of your vocal cords.
• Bacterial infections (these are less common than viral causes).

Ongoing Voice Box Irritation

When voice box inflammation persists longer than three weeks, it’s considered a long-term condition. Ongoing irritation can strain the vocal cords and may result in growths, such as polyps or nodules.

Common causes include:

• Breathing irritants such as chemical fumes, allergens, or tobacco smoke
• Acid reflux, when stomach acid backs up into the throat
• Long-term sinus infections
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Regular voice overuse (common in singers and cheerleaders)
• Smoking

Less common triggers for ongoing voice problems include:

• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Certain parasitic infections

Other factors that may cause persistent hoarseness include:

• Cancer affecting the voice box
• Vocal cord paralysis from nerve damage
• Vocal cord bowing (when the cords don’t close properly)

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the chances of developing laryngitis:

• Respiratory infections, like colds, bronchitis, or sinus infections.
• Irritant exposure, including cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol consumption, stomach acid reflux, or workplace chemicals.
• Voice overuse through excessive talking, speaking loudly, shouting, or singing.

These factors can strain or irritate the vocal cords, leading to inflammation and laryngitis symptoms.

Complications

Laryngitis infections can sometimes spread beyond the voice box to other areas of the respiratory system. This can lead to more serious health issues that may require additional treatment.

Ways to Protect Your Voice

To keep your vocal cords healthy and prevent irritation:

• Skip smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke dries out your throat and irritates your vocal cords.
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, as they cause dehydration.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly to keep throat mucus thin.
• Avoid spicy foods that may trigger acid reflux or heartburn.
• Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are rich in vitamins A, E, and C, which help maintain healthy throat tissues.

Throat clearing can harm your vocal cords by causing abnormal vibrations and increased swelling. Clearing your throat produces more mucus, leading to a cycle of irritation that makes you want to clear it again.