Chronic laryngitis is a long-term inflammation of the larynx causing voice changes, dry throat, and discomfort when swallowing. It can last for weeks, months, or even years and is often caused by smoking, acid reflux, or exposure to allergens. Treatment focuses on eliminating or controlling the underlying conditions.
Chronic laryngitis is long-term inflammation affecting a person’s larynx, which is the organ that houses the vocal cords. Often, people develop acute laryngitis, which goes away quickly, but some develop a case of the condition that persists. When a person has chronic laryngitis, the inflammation and associated symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years. However, chronic laryngitis is usually not accompanied by pain or infection. Its main symptoms are voice changes, such as hoarseness, but it can also cause dry throat, postnasal drip, and discomfort when swallowing.
A person who has chronic laryngitis usually speaks hoarsely. Your voice may crack or break, and speaking clearly may require more effort than normal. In some cases, a person with this condition may feel as if they have a lump in their throat or that their throat is drier than usual. He may clear his throat frequently and experience post-nasal drip. Sometimes a person with this condition may also notice discomfort when swallowing, but outright pain is less likely to develop.
An individual may have laryngitis that lasts for several days, but such a case is not considered chronic. Instead, laryngitis symptoms usually have to last for two weeks or more to be considered chronic. In some cases, laryngitis can last for years. This often happens, for example, when it develops in connection with an action, such as smoking, or another condition, such as acid reflux. In fact, a person with a chronic case of acid reflux may have chronic laryngitis that lasts until the reflux is successfully controlled.
There are many things that can contribute to the development of chronic laryngitis. For example, a person may develop this condition due to cigarette smoking or due to continued exposure to inhaled chemicals or allergens. Acid reflux can contribute to its development, and chronic sinusitis can also play a role in it. Some people can also develop this condition due to alcohol abuse. Additionally, singers and others who abuse their voice can also develop the condition.
Although less likely, chronic laryngitis can sometimes be caused by chronic infections and even parasites. It can also be caused by vocal cord cancer or some type of injury or trauma to the larynx. In some cases, it can also be caused by aging contributing to changes in a person’s vocal cords.
In most cases, treatment of chronic laryngitis focuses on eliminating or controlling the conditions that contribute to it. Avoiding cigarette smoke, allergens, and inhaling chemicals can also help. Sometimes medications are used to reduce the inflammation of the vocal cords, but such treatment is often reserved for people who need their voice to sound normal due to their career.
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