Overview
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box that causes hoarseness. The inflammation causes vocal cords to become inflamed and irritated.
The larynx, which is known as the voice box, contains the vocal cords in the throat. The vocal cord vibrates to produce sound or voice. The inflammation affects the functioning of the larynx, which results in changes in the voice, such as hoarseness. The larynx also protects the lower airways, eases respiration, and helps in phonation. The larynx plays an important part in the respiratory tract by letting air pass through it while keeping food from blocking the airway.
Laryngitis can be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis is a short-term condition, while chronic laryngitis is a condition that lasts longer than 3 weeks. Chronic laryngitis is a more severe problem that causes long-lasting and severe consequences than acute laryngitis. Perhaps, it could be a sign of an autoimmune disorder. However, chronic laryngitis does not indicate serious signs in itself.
If your symptoms get better in 14 days, it is not something to worry about. But for signs and complications exceeding 14 days, you need treatment. The treatment usually involves taking enough rest and staying hydrated. Medications are also required in some cases, but more serious cases can only be addressed through surgery.
Signs and symptoms
In most cases, laryngitis signs may last for a couple of weeks and are caused by virus infections, while other cases are triggered by causes that are more severe.
The signs and symptoms can include:
- Hoarseness
- Weak voice or voice loss
- Tickling sensation and rawness in your throat
- Sore throat
- Cough which is dry
When to see a doctor
Most signs of laryngitis can be managed at home with self-care tips such as drinking enough fluid. Arduous use of vocal cords can damage the larynx, voice responsible for the sound.
Immediately make an appointment with a doctor if the symptoms mentioned above last more than two weeks.
- Troubled breathing
- Cough up blood
- Have a fever
- Increasing pain
Seek immediate medical attention if the followings signs are more prevalent in your child :
- Noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling
- Difficult breathing
- Unexplainable drools
- Trouble swallowing
Having these signs indicate croup, inflammation of the larynx, and the airway just beneath it. Croup can be managed at home with some little changes in life until the symptoms turn out to be severe. Yet another condition, as indicated by these signs include epiglottis, an inflammation of the tissue that covers the windpipe. Epiglottitis can be life-threatening for children and needs immediate treatment.
Causes
There are widespread reasons held responsible for the development of chronic laryngitis.
- Chronic smoking habits irritate the vocal cords and make your throat appear to swell
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) causes the food in your stomach to move up to the esophagus. This irritates the throat and causes inflammation.
- Exposure to intense chemicals can also trigger chronic laryngitis.
Other conditions associated with the cause of chronic laryngitis may include:
- bronchitis
- allergies
- vocal cord polyps or cysts
- Pneumonia
Risk factors
People who are at an increased risk of chronic laryngitis are those who smoke a lot or exposed to toxic chemicals that can irritate the throat.
Other possible risk factors may include:
- overuse use of vocal cords
- having a respiratory infection, such as a cold or sinusitis
- drink too much alcohol
- have allergic reactions
The overuse of vocal cords allows ulcers or growths to form. Also, aging disrupts the vocal cord’s ability to function properly which makes the elderly more susceptible to chronic laryngitis.
Diagnosis
Changes in your voice can depict the severity of infection ranging from mild to complete loss of voice. For chronic hoarseness, your doctor may do a physical examination and learn about your medical history. For further investigation, you may be referred to an ENT specialist.
Certain techniques are used to diagnose laryngitis, including:
Laryngoscopy. The procedure begins with visualizing your vocal cords using a light and thin camera inserted into the back of the throat. Sometimes your doctor uses a fiber-optic laryngoscopy which makes the use of a thin tube with a tiny camera and light to be inserted through your nose or mouth into the back of your throat. The purpose of the test is to detect the motion of your vocal cords as you speak.
Biopsy. If your doctor suspects something unusual, he may ask for a biopsy. The procedure is done by taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
Ayurvedic treatment for chronic laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis is called Swarabhed in Ayurveda which is marked by a harsh and loud voice and pain around the larynx. The disease is caused by the aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and so they are three types of swarabhed as per Ayurveda.
Vataj swarabhed is harsh and loud voice.
Pittaj swarabhed is attributed to fever, dehydration, and burning sensation in the laryngeal region.
Kaphaj swarabhed is obstructed voice.
The treatment for chronic laryngitis includes therapies and herbal medicines to cleanse the body of the toxins.