Many people use “laryngitis” to refer to any type of hoarseness. However, laryngitis specifically refers to inflammation of the larynx or voice box. There are many possible causes of laryngitis. The most common causes include infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal), vocal trauma, and acid reflux. Any of these problems can cause the tissues of the larynx to swell. If the swelling affects the vocal cords directly, it will lead to hoarseness.
Laryngitis may be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Acute laryngitis is more likely to be due to infection or vocal trauma, whereas chronic laryngitis is more likely to be due to reflux disease. Also, patients with chronic laryngitis are more likely to have lesions on the vocal cords.
Treatment of laryngitis is based upon accurate diagnosis. This typically involves laryngoscopy and stroboscopy. Infectious laryngitis is usually treated conservatively, since most cases are due to viruses. Antibiotics are not commonly prescribed, since bacterial or fungal laryngitis is fairly rare. Conservative treatment may involve vocal rest, fluid intake, humidity, and voice therapy. Treatment for vocal trauma is also conservative, and usually involves voice therapy. Treatment for chronic laryngitis is often more complicated, and involves multiple modes of therapy, including voice therapy, medication, and occasionally surgery.
Example of laryngitis. The second picture was taken four days after the first, and demonstrates the resolution of the infection.
Related Pages:
Hoarseness
Allergies and Hoarseness
Signs of Hoarseness
Laryngopharyngeal (Acid) Reflux
Voice Therapy
