Laryngitis

The connection between the windpipe and back of the throat is called as voice box or the larynx. The inflammation of the voice box or larynx is known as laryngitis. It is the condition associated with the throat and is very common.

Laryngitis is of two types. These are:

• the acute laryngitis and
• the chronic laryngitis.

The acute laryngitis occurs due to viral infection. A person who has common cold may experience laryngitis also. It worsens over a period of two or three days and then eases off. One may notice its disappearance after one week. The voice of the person will be croaky due to the inflammation of the larynx.

Chronic laryngitis is a condition which persists for weeks or even months. A person suffering from acute laryngitis tends to develop chronic laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis affects singer and smokers more.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with acute laryngitis appear spontaneously, worsening after three days and then disappearing after a week. Laryngitis is characterised by the presence of the following symptoms:

• pain in the throat
• the voice will be hoarse
• speaking with difficulty
• soreness of the throat
• a very mild fever
• headache
• an irritating cough as well as
• the frequent clearing of the throat.

Since laryngitis is associated with illness like flu, pharyngitis, tonsillitis or common cold, then one may have the following symptoms also:

• runny nose
• swollen glands of the neck
• pain while swallowing something as well as
• having an achy and tired feeling.

Chronic laryngitis develops over a long period of time and lasts for months. The larynx tends to be damaged due to the presence of hoarseness. This is associated with people in whom the larynx is overused.

In rare cases, due to the presence of narrow windpipes, larynx may cause difficulties in breathing normally.

Cause

Acute laryngitis occurs due to viral infection and is associated with infections of upper respiratory tract as well as common cold. But one may experience laryngitis if the person is suffering from pneumonia or bronchitis.

Chronic laryngitis develops in people who have persistent acute laryngitis. Smoking worsens the condition and damages the vocal cords which lead to a person having husky voice.

Laryngitis may occur as a result of:

• consumption of alcohols in excessive amounts
• infections
• suffering from trauma or shocks
• allergies
• misuse of voice
• overuse of voice
• exposure to chemicals or irritants as well as
• presence of upper gastrointestinal disease.

Treatment

Acute laryngitis requires no treatment. Avoid smoking for the quick healing of the voice cords. The other methods which can be used for the treatment of laryngitis are:

• Intake of fluids in large amounts
• Excessive coughing and swallowing to prevent the voice getting hoarser.
• One can use analgesics like paracetamol for soothing the headaches as well as fever.
• Use of lozenges will help to soothe the sore throat.
• One can also do gargling with salty, warm water to ease the sore throat.
• Using air humidifiers as well as menthol inhalations will help in clearing the blocked airways.
• Give rest to the voice by avoiding talking, whispering, singing as well as shouting.
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