Laryngitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Laryngitis (lair-in-ji-tis) is an inflammation (in-fluh-ma-shun) or infection of the voice box and the area around it. It may cause your voice to change or to lose your voice for a short while. It is most common in late fall, winter, or early spring. With or without treatment, you should be well in 7 to 14 days.

Causes: Laryngitis is usually caused by a germ called a virus or a bacteria (back-teer-e-uh). If you smoke you are more likely to get laryngitis. Having allergies also makes it easier to get laryngitis. Using your voice too much by yelling, talking, or singing may also cause laryngitis.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have a sore or scratchy throat. Your voice may sound low or hoarse. You may lose your voice (not able to talk) for a short while. You may have a dry cough. Other signs are a feeling that you have a lump in your throat, or you may feel tired. You could also have a fever.

Care: You may need antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) medicine to treat the infection. A room humidifier may help you feel better.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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