Laryngitis occurs when your larynx, or voice box, becomes inflamed from infection, overuse or irritation. The result is a hoarse sounding voice, caused by the vocal cords swelling from the before mentioned reasons. Most cases of laryngitis aren’t serious, typically a result of a temporary viral infection. But a longer lasting, consistent hoarseness, may signal a more serious medical issue.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis
Common Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis
- Hoarse Voice
- Sore Throat
- Dry Cough
- Voice Loss
- Weak Voice
- Raw Throat
- Tickling Sensation in Throat
- Dry Throat
As noted above, Laryngitis is usually short lived, roughly two weeks. While it’s not common, these symptoms can last longer than two weeks. If your symptoms persist longer than two weeks, or you or a loved one experience the issues noted below, you should strongly consider seeking immediate medical attention.
- Cough Up Blood
- Have Trouble Breathing Because Of Throat Swelling
- Have Increased Pain Of The Throat
- Have A Constant Fever
For children, you should strongly consider seeking medical attention if they:
- Have Difficulty Breathing
- Have Trouble Swallowing
- Has Noisy, High Pitched Breathing
- Drools More Than Usual
Laryngitis Prevention and Treatment
Laryngitis can be prevented and avoided by preventing drying or irritation to the vocal cords. This includes:
- Drinking Plenty Of Water
- Avoid Smoking / Secondhand Smoke
- Avoiding Spicy Foods
- Eating Fruits, Veggies and Whole grains – they can help keep membranes in the throat healthy
- Limit Alchohol
- Stop Clearing Your Throat
Laryngitis can be treated by:
- Drinking plenty fluids
- Resting the voice box
- Humidifying your air
- Avoid Whispering – it places more strain on your throat than normal speech
- Moisten The Throat
- Avoiding Decongestants
- Antibiotics: Because Laryngitis is often caused by a virus, antibiotics aren’t always prescribed, but can if you have a bacterial infection.
- Corticosteroids: Typically only used in more serious cases, it helps reduce inflammation of the vocal cords.
