Laryngitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the voice box (larynx). The larynx is present in the anterior compartment of the neck, and its main function is to produce sound. So when this part of the body is affected, it is reflected in the sound produced, and as it is an inflammation, the person will have other symptoms such as throat pain, cough, and irritation in the throat, along with hoarseness of voice or voice loss. There is acute and chronic laryngitis, depending upon the duration of the condition, as well as the causative factor.

One should note that if laryngitis is not treated timely, it can further spread to the various parts of the respiratory tract and cause complications.

What Are the Causes of Laryngitis?

The causes of laryngitis are discussed by dividing laryngitis into acute and chronic laryngitis.

1. Acute Laryngitis: Acute laryngitis is generally temporary and relieved once the causative factor is removed or treated. It is usually preceded by a simple upper respiratory tract infection. The causes would include the following:

• Viral infections are similar to cold or flu.

• Vocal strain while yelling or overuse of voice.

• A less common factor is bacterial infections.

2. Chronic Laryngitis: Laryngitis that lasts for more than three weeks is termed chronic laryngitis, which is a result of long-standing exposure to irritants. Chronic laryngitis can cause vocal cord strain and result in damage or injury to vocal cords. In some cases, there are reports of growth in the vocal cords. The following can cause chronic laryngitis:

• Some jobs, such as those of teachers, singers, and lawyers, require strain on vocal cords; chronic laryngitis is commonly seen in these people. Prolonged vocal cord strain can lead to nodules or growth in the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice.

• Alcohol contains chemicals that can act as irritants to the throat.

• Smoke, air pollution, and fumes from tobacco products can irritate the larynx and cause laryngitis.

• In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid rises through the esophagus, causing irritation or a burning sensation in the chest and throat.

• Bacterial infections from Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens.

• Fungal infections rarely cause laryngitis, but people on immunosuppressants or who have weak immunity due to some underlying condition may acquire laryngitis.

• Autoimmune disorders, such as Wegener's granulomatosis (disease causing inflammation of the blood vessels), amyloidosis (amyloid protein buildup in the liver, kidneys, heart, and other organs), systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), and rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disorder of the joints).

• Cancer - Chronic laryngitis can be seen as a symptom of laryngeal cancer.

• Surgery or injury to the larynx.

What Are the Symptoms of Laryngitis?

Laryngitis signs and symptoms would include the following:

• Hoarseness.

• Low voice or weak voice.

• Throat pain.

• Sore throat.

• Dry cough.

• Difficulty in speaking.

• Swollen glands.

• Low-grade fever.

• Irritation in the throat.

What Are the Risk Factors for Laryngitis?

• Exposure to irritants, such as stomach acid, smoke, workplace chemicals, and excessive alcohol intake.

• Underlying respiratory infections, such as bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube lining), cold, and sinusitis (air-filled cavities, paranasal sinus of the nasal passage).

• Overuse of voice, such as houting, speaking loudly, speaking too much, and singing.

How to Diagnose Laryngitis?

Usually, laryngitis goes away within two to three weeks and does not need a consultation with a doctor. But if the symptom persists for a longer period or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, bloody cough, or ear pain, then one must consider a medical consultation. Diagnosis involves taking a detailed patient history and a clinical examination. But in some cases, the following test might be advised:

• Laryngoscopy - Laryngoscopy is carried out to visually examine the throat by passing a fiber-optic tube with a camera and light fitted at the end through the nose or the mouth and watching the movement of the vocal cord as one speaks.

• Biopsy - If any growth or nodule is suspected, a biopsy is advised, and samples are taken and examined under the microscope.

What Is the Treatment of Laryngitis?

Treatment of laryngitis usually requires only self-care like voice rest, drinking fluids, or warm compresses as the symptom subsides within a week or two. Patients with chronic laryngitis might need treatment to eliminate the underlying cause, such as:

1. Medical Treatments:

• Antibiotics - Antibiotics will not show much effect in most cases, as most are caused by viral infection. However, the use of antibiotics is indicated in bacterial infections causing laryngitis.

• Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids reduce inflammationmuch faster and are indicated only when faster recovery is needed.

Pain medication is indicated in cases where the patient has throat pain which affects the day-to-day life of the patient.

2. Home Care: Home care remedies play a major role in the treatment of laryngitis. Certain things that need to be taken care of when one has laryngitis would include:

• Warm saline gargles can soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. The saline in this solution also reduces inflammation.

• Drinking ample amounts of water is necessary. Even though initially it seems to be painful, it helps in quick recovery and provides comfort from the irritation in the throat.

• Use humidifiers and menthol.

• Avoid dust and smoke.

• Avoid whispering when one has laryngitis, as it puts more strain on the vocal cords.

• A person can also use some herbs like eucalyptus and mint, which have a soothing effect on the throat.

• Give the vocal cords proper rest. Avoid speaking or singing when one has laryngitis. If necessary, use a microphone or amplifying system to address larger crowds.

Who Can Get Affected by Laryngitis?

• Heavy alcohol drinkers.

• People who overuse their voice, such as singers or teachers.

• Those suffering from respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or sinusitis.

• Smokers.

• Immunocompromised patients.

When to See a Doctor?

Laryngitis needs medical consultation in infants immediately if they exhibit the following symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Make noise while breathing.

• Fever.

• It may lead to croup, which is a narrowing of airways that can be life-threatening in infants.

• Consider consulting a doctor for adults if they exhibit the following symptoms:

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Blood in cough.

• Throat pain worsens over time.

• Fever for a long duration.

How Can Laryngitis Be Prevented?

• Eating a balanced diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, keeps the throat’s mucus membrane healthy.

• Avoid spicy food as it can cause heartburn, gastrointestinal reflux disorder, and irritate the throat.

• Smoking should also be avoided.

• Alcohol and caffeine intake should also be limited.

• Avoid clearing the throat, as it can irritate the vocal cords and cause swelling in the throat.

• Frequently wash hands to avoid germ exposure that causes throat infections and other respiratory diseases or conditions.

• Drink enough water to keep the throat hydrated, which keeps the mucus membrane and is easy to clean.

Conclusion

Laryngitis is not a serious medical condition in the majority of cases and does not require medical consultation as it subsides on its own after one or two weeks. But in children, it can be a serious life-threatening condition if it affects the breathing or swallowing of food. If the laryngitis is not resolved within a few days, consider consulting a doctor, as it may require other treatments with corticosteroids and antibiotics, depending on the diagnosis.