Health Encyclopedia

Laryngitis

Definition

Laryngitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the voice box (larynx). The problem is most often associated with hoarseness or loss of voice.

Alternative Names

Hoarseness - laryngitis

Causes

The voice box (larynx) is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness. Sometimes, the airway can get blocked.

The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by:

Allergies
Bacterial infection
Bronchitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Injury
Irritants and chemicals

Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection, which is typically caused by a virus.

Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to a dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include:

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Fever
Hoarseness
Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck

Exams and Tests

A physical exam can find whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.

People with hoarseness that lasts more than a month (especially smokers) should see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). An exam of the throat and upper airway will be done.

Treatment

Laryngitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics likely will not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.

Resting your voice helps to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain medicines may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition often gets better on its own.

Possible Complications

In rare cases, severe respiratory distress develops. This requires immediate medical attention.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling
A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness
Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult

Prevention

To prevent getting laryngitis:

Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
Wash your hands often.
Do not strain your voice.
Stop smoking. This can help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which can lead to hoarseness.

References

Allen CT, Nussenbaum B, Merati AL. Acute and chronic laryngopharyngitis. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 61.

Flint PW. Throat disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 401.

Rodrigues KK, Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 412.

Review Date:10/20/2022
Reviewed By:Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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