Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx . Laryngitis also may accompany bronchitis or any other inflammation or infection of the upper airways. Normally your vocal cords open and close smoothly, forming sounds through their movement and vibration. Most of the causes of laryngitis, such as common viruses or using your voice too much, are not serious. Excessive use of the voice, an allergic reaction, and inhalation of irritants such as cigarette smoke can cause short-lived (acute) or persistent (chronic) laryngitis. Bacterial infections of the larynx are extremely rare. Acute laryngitis is usually due to a viral infection; it can occur at the same time as a cold and usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), difficulty in swallowing, and a sore throat may occur in severe infections. As a result, your voice sounds hoarse. In some cases of laryngitis, your voice can become so faint as to be undetectable. Laryngitis may be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Although acute laryngitis usually is nothing more than an irritation and inflammation from a virus, persistent hoarseness can signal a more serious problem. Treatment of viral laryngitis depends on the symptoms. Resting the voice (by not speaking), drinking extra fluids, and inhaling steam relieve symptoms and help healing.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx generally associated with hoarseness or loss of voice. The larnyx is the organ of voice in mammals. It is commonly known as the voice box. Laryngitis is rarely serious. Inside the larynx are your vocal cords two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. A few causes, however, require medical attention. Most of the time, laryngitis comes on quickly and lasts as long as two weeks. The throat may tickle or feel raw, and a person may have a constant urge to clear the throat. Symptoms vary with the severity of the inflammation. Laryngitis may be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis occurs suddenly and lasts no more than a few days. Laryngitis is chronic if the hoarseness in your throat lasts for a long time. Sometimes a doctor looks down the throat with a mirror or a thin, flexible viewing tube, which shows some reddening and sometimes some swelling of the lining of the larynx. Chronic laryngitis is often due to persistent acute laryngitis and commonly affects smokers. The sound may be due to a weak or slightly paralyzed vocal cord on one side; polyps, which are small, soft growths; or nodules, which are harder growths. Whispering, however, may irritate the larynx even more. Treating bronchitis, if present, may improve the laryngitis. An antibiotic is given only for infection caused by bacteria.

Causes of Laryngitis

• An upper respiratory infection, especially a cold or flu.
• Allergies.
• Exposure to irritants, such as smoke or chemicals.
• Heavy smoking
• Contact with caustic or acidic substances (including acid reflux from the stomach)
• Drinking large amounts of alcoholic spirits,
• Irritants or chemicals.
• Direct trauma.
• Growths (polyps or nodules) on the vocal cords

Symptoms of Laryngitis

Some common Symptoms of Laryngitis :

• Recent or current upper respiratory infection.
• A sore throat,
• Hoarseness .
• Fever.
• A headache,
• Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck.
• Cough.
• Congestion.
• Difficulty speaking,

Treatment of Laryngitis

• Try to avoid excessively swallowing or coughing, although this may be difficult, as it irritates the vocal cords.
• Since most common laryngitis is viral, treatment with antibiotics is generally not indicated.
• Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken at regular intervals can ease any associated headaches and fever .
• Take a hot shower or steam bath.
• Ibuprofen and aspirin may help alleviate fever and some of the discomfort associated with laryngitis.
• Vocal therapy may help some people especially those at risk of permanently damaging their voice.
• In all cases you should avoid smoking and areas where others are smoking.
• Menthol inhalation and air humidifiers may help to clear the airways.

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