Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of your larynx (or voice box) that results in symptoms ranging from a tickling in your throat to a complete loss of your voice. Acute laryngitis is temporary and lasts from a few days to a few weeks. It can be caused by infections or vocal strain. Chronic laryngitis lasts for more than three weeks and is usually caused by inhaled smoke, chemicals, a side effect of acid reflux or sinus infection.
You can usually treat your own acute laryngitis by drinking plenty of fluids and giving your voice some rest.
Recently Answered
- Q What can I do to avoid chronic laryngitis?
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Avoiding chronic laryngitis has much to do with one's lifestyle. By taking necessary precautions against upper viral infections (like colds, the flu, or allergies) it may be easy to avoid chronic laryngitis. Getting a flu shot can be an indirect step... Full Answer
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- Q Is chronic laryngitis serious?
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Depending on the diagnosis, chronic laryngitis may or may not be serious. In some cases, the underlying cause can be an indicator of a more serious health condition like cancer. Additionally, if the cause is a bacterial or viral infection that goes... Full Answer
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- Q Does chronic laryngitis affect children differently than adults?
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Chronic laryngitis is more likely to affect adults than children, if only because the most common causes (like alcohol abuse, smoking, or bulimia) tend to happen in adults rather than kids. If a child is diagnosed with chronic laryngitis it may be... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my chronic laryngitis on a daily basis?
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There are a few ways to manage chronic laryngitis on a daily basis. One of the more popular ways is to keep your throat moistened. You can do this by gargling salty water or by sucking on a throat lozenge. Another way to manage chronic laryngitis is to... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of chronic laryngitis?
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Symptoms of chronic laryngitis range from hoarseness to the eventual loss of speaking ability. Depending on the cause, a person may have a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. You may experience a dry feeling in your throat and you may cough... Full Answer
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- Q Is acute laryngitis contagious?
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Although acute laryngitis itself is not infectious, sometimes the underlying causes for it are. For instance, viral infections such as the common cold (which can cause acute laryngitis) can be spread from person to person, so it is important to practice... Full Answer
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- Q How common is acute laryngitis?
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Because acute laryngitis can result from a range of underlying causes, it is a fairly common condition. In most cases, acute laryngitis results from a respiratory infection, such as the common cold, and is relatively benign. Less common severe or chronic... Full Answer
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- Q Is acute laryngitis serious?
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Most cases of acute laryngitis are not serious and will resolve on their own within about two weeks. However, persistent or severe laryngitis may indicate an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, throat cancer,... Full Answer
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- Q Can acute laryngitis be prevented?
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There are several steps you can take to prevent acute laryngitis. Avoid inhaling irritants such as cigarette smoke, stay hydrated, try not to strain your voice through yelling or overuse, and practice good hygiene such as hand-washing to avoid... Full Answer
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- Q How is acute laryngitis diagnosed?
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Acute laryngitis is diagnosed by its symptoms: typically, a hoarse or lost voice. A doctor may use a mirror or special viewing tube to assess the condition of the voice box (larynx). Reddening and swelling of the tissues that make up the vocal cords... Full Answer
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