What is Acute Laryngitis?
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Acute laryngitis is a short-term inflammatory condition affecting the larynx, or voice box, typically lasting less than 3 weeks.[1] Laryngitis which lasts longer than three weeks is called chronic laryngitis; see this resource for more information.
Laryngitis can affect people of every age and gender. The main symptoms of laryngitis are a hoarse voice, also known as dysphonia, and sore throat, due to inflammation in the laryngeal area.
Acute laryngitis may have infectious or non-infectious causes, including overuse of the voice which puts a strain on the vocal cords, or gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD); laryngitis caused by GERD is called reflux laryngitis.
Treatment for laryngitis may include resting the voice, simple pain relief, and home remedies such as drinking warm liquids to soothe the throat. If laryngeal discomfort and other symptoms are still present after three weeks, antibiotics may be prescribed, if the cause is diagnosed to be a bacterial infection. An antifungal medication may be prescribed if the cause is a fungal infection.
Most people recover from acute laryngitis within three weeks and do not go on to develop chronic laryngitis.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of laryngitis include:
- Dysphonia (hoarseness of the voice)
- Fever (during the first few days of infection)
- Sore throat
- A need to clear the throat frequently
- A cough
Symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen after around three days.[1] After around three weeks, with appropriate treatment including drinking plenty of water and resting the larynx, symptoms such as a cough and hoarse voice are usually relieved.
Even though acute laryngitis usually relives without the need for medical attention, it is important for an affected person to see a doctor promptly if they:
- Experience swallowing problems (dysphagia)
- Cough up blood
- Have trouble breathing
- Have a persistent fever, with a temperature of higher than 103 F (39.4 C)
- Have respiratory problems (breathing difficulties)
These symptoms may indicate epiglottis, a condition in which the tissue that covers the lid of the windpipe becomes inflamed. Epiglottis can be life-threatening for both children and adults.[2]
In children, the symptoms of laryngitis are the same as those in adults. When children under five are affected, the condition is called croup. Croup usually clears up in 5-7 days, and medical attention should be sought if their symptoms of infection do not improve during this timeframe. Antibiotics are not used to treat croup, because it is caused by a viral infection.[3]
People experiencing possible symptoms of acute laryngitis can use a List of Doctors to carry out a symptom assessment.
Causes
There are both infectious and non-infectious causes of acute laryngitis. The most common causes are the flu or cold due to a virus. Non-infectious causes include overuse of the voice, gastric reflux (which can irritate the lining of the throat), or an injury to the voice box region.
The hoarseness of the voice (dysphonia) which results from laryngitis is caused by the distorted shape of the inflamed larynx. Because the vocal cords in the larynx are swollen, the air passing over them makes sounds (speech) that are different from normal.
Risks
While hoarseness of voice persists, it is advisable to avoid overusing one’s voice (shouting or speaking for prolonged periods), because this can result in permanent damage to the vocal cords.
It is important to treat the condition before it becomes chronic (long-lasting), because having an inflamed larynx for a prolonged period of time can result in the development of tears and/or growths in the laryngeal tissue, as well as vocal cord strain. See this resource on chronic laryngitis for more information.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually made by examination of the throat. Doctors will focus on diagnosing the cause of laryngitis because this will determine the appropriate treatment if any is needed. If laryngitis is due to a known underlying condition such as gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), the treatment and management plan for this may be adjusted, to prevent further laryngeal problems.
Doctors may perform a laryngoscopy to examine the larynx, to help them determine the cause of laryngitis.[4] This may be done indirectly or directly. An indirect laryngoscopy involves the doctor shining a light into the throat to examine the larynx, using a handheld mirror. A direct laryngoscopy involves the doctor inserting a small tube with a camera attached to it into the throat through the mouth to examine the larynx in detail.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the source of the problem, but mainly involves resting the larynx, by not overusing the voice while hoarseness is present,.Drinking warm liquids and using medicated throat lozenges may be useful to soothe the throat.
Home remedies such as adding ginger or turmeric to warm drinks can help fight causal infections. Simple pain medications (ibuprofen or paracetamol) can help with the pain. If the condition is caused by bacteria, the treatment may involve antibiotics.
Prevention
Prevention can be achieved by moderate use of the voice and taking care to avoid catching or spreading viruses. Giving up smoking may also help to avoid laryngitis.
Other names for acute laryngitis
- Acute inflammation of the larynx
Acute laryngitis FAQs
u003cstrongu003eIs acute laryngitis contagious?u003c/strongu003e
Yes. However, the degree to which it is contagious depends on whether the cause(s) of laryngitis are bacterial/fungal, viral, or whether it is due to an underlying condition. u003cstrongu003eMost cases of laryngitis result from viruses, which themselves are not particularly contagious.u003c/strongu003e Research suggests that the most likely time frame for viruses that cause laryngitis to be passed on to others is the period when the infected person has a fever. A person who is only affected by a hoarse voice, sore throat and cough is less likely to be contagious. Instances of bacterial and fungal causes of laryngitis are less common, but these kinds of infections are more contagious than viruses and therefore more likely to result in transmission. Washing hands regularly, particularly after coughing, and avoiding sharing food or utensils, are important preventative measures for avoiding the transmission of laryngitis.
u003cstrongu003eWhat happens when laryngitis becomes chronic?u003c/strongu003e
Chronic laryngitis is less likely to be caused by bacterial or viral infections than acute laryngitis, and more likely to be caused by an ongoing problem or condition, such as by acid reflux from gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), habitual overuse of the voice which damages the vocal cords, excessive alcohol use, use of tobacco products (especially smoking), or chronic sinusitis. The symptoms of acute (short-lasting) laryngitis is the same as those of chronic (long-lasting) laryngitis, including a sore throat, hoarseness of the voice, and having a cough. It is important to seek treatment if symptoms persist because vocal cord strain and growths on the vocal cords can develop as a result of continual inflammation of the larynx.
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“Laryngitis.” NHS Choices. 21 December 2017. Accessed: 23 April 2018. ↩ ↩
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“Epiglottis.” NHS Choices. 06 May 2015. Accessed: 23 April 2018. ↩
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“Croup.” Caring for Kids. May 2014. Accessed: 23 April 2018. ↩
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“Hoarseness in adults.” American Family Physician. 15 August 2009. Accessed: 23 April 2018. ↩
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## What is Acute Laryngitis?
Acute laryngitis, also known as laryngitis, is a temporary inflammation or swelling of the mucous membranes that line the larynx (voice box). The larynx is located at the top of the windpipe (trachea) and produces sound during speech by vibrating the vocal cords.
**Causes of Acute Laryngitis:**
* Viral infections (common cold, flu)
* Bacterial infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae)
* Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
* Vocal strain or overuse
* Allergies or irritants (pollen, smoke, dust)
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
**Symptoms of Acute Laryngitis:**
* Hoarseness or loss of voice
* Sore or scratchy throat
* Dry cough
* Pain or burning sensation in the throat
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing (severe cases)
## Diagnosis
Diagnosis of acute laryngitis is usually based on a physical examination of the larynx and a review of symptoms.
## Treatment
Treatment for acute laryngitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications:
* **Resting your voice:** Speaking or straining your voice can worsen inflammation.
* **Staying hydrated:** Drinking plenty of fluids helps soothe the throat and thin mucus.
* **Managing pain:** Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve throat pain.
* **Using cough drops:** Cough drops containing menthol or eucalyptus can help soothe the throat.
* **Taking antibiotics:** Antibiotics may be necessary if a bacterial infection is suspected.
## Prevention
* Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
* Use your voice in moderation.
* Take regular breaks when speaking for extended periods.
* Treat allergies or irritants that may trigger laryngitis.
* Manage GERD if it is a contributing factor.
## When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you experience:
* Severe or persistent hoarseness or loss of voice
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing
* Fever
* Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
## Conclusion
Acute laryngitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the larynx. It is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, but can also be triggered by lifestyle factors such as smoking or vocal strain. With proper rest, hydration, and treatment, most cases of acute laryngitis resolve within a few days. However, seeking medical attention is important if symptoms are severe or persistent.
[Acute Laryngitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the larynx, or voice box.]
[inflammation of the larynx, or voice box]