Laryngitis

Laryngitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the voice box (larynx) that is usually associated with hoarseness or loss of voice.

Causes of Laryngitis

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, and may sometimes block the airway.

The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus, such as cold or flu viruses. It may also be caused by:

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

Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection.

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

• Croup
• Epiglottitis

Laryngitis Symptoms

• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck

Tests and Exams

A physical examination can determine whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.

Patients with hoarseness that lasts for more than a month (especially smokers) will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) for tests of the throat and upper airway.

Treatment of Laryngitis

Because most common laryngitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics may not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.

Resting your voice helps by reducing inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and painkillers may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, if you have one.

Prognosis (Outlook)

Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition should get better.

Potential Complications

Rarely, severe respiratory distress may develop. This will require medical attention.

When to Contact a Health Professional

Call your health care 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 of Laryngitis

• Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid crowded places.

Stopping smoking may help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which may lead to hoarseness.

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2010; chap 63.

Schwartz SR, Cohen SM, Dailey SH, et al. Clinical practice guideline: hoarseness (dysphonia). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 Sep;141(3 Suppl 2):S1-S31.

Throat anatomy

Review Date: 12/16/2010
Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi MD, Specialist in Laryngology, Clinical Instructor UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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