Acute laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx causing hoarseness or loss of voice. It is often caused by a virus, smoking, allergies or excessive use of the voice. Treatment involves rest, hydration, and anti-inflammatory medication. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, a doctor should be consulted.
Acute laryngitis is short-term inflammation of the larynx region of the throat. Because vocal sounds originate in the larynx, a symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness or loss of voice. Acute laryngitis is most often caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by allergies, smoking, or excessive use of the voice.
The larynx is a portion of the air passage that connects the nose and mouth to the lungs. Located in front of the esophagus, the larynx is protected by nine rings of cartilage. It starts at the back of the tongue and extends down the front of the neck. The larynx is divided into an upper half and a lower half by two sets of vocal folds or vocal cords. When air passes over these vocal folds, they vibrate and produce sound.
When a patient develops acute laryngitis, there is irritation and pain in the tissues of the larynx. There may also be swelling of the vocal cords, which prevents them from vibrating. Patients may be hoarse or unable to make any sounds from the vocal cords.
Viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, are most often the cause of acute laryngitis. It can also be caused by smoking, allergies or even gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diagnosis is made by taking the patient’s medical history and examining lifestyle factors. Identifying possible causes will determine how laryngitis is treated.
If a virus is suspected as the cause, depending on whether the patient has other symptoms, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. The virus infected patient must wait for the symptoms to disappear on their own. If the patient smokes or breathes secondhand smoke, efforts should be made to eliminate the behavior.
Treatment of acute laryngitis is usually limited to care that can be provided at home to relieve symptoms. Patients may find relief by keeping the throat tissues moist with throat lozenges or by using a humidifier. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as herbal tea with honey, can help soothe the irritation in your throat. Anti-inflammatory medications can also help relieve pain and swelling.
Patients should rest and refrain from using the voice. An effort should be made to communicate in writing rather than speaking or even whispering. An episode of acute laryngitis should be temporary and shouldn’t last for more than two weeks. If the patient experiences symptoms beyond two weeks, he should contact a doctor.
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