Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box or larynx that rests in front of the windpipe. It directly affects the vocal cords and even creates voice hoarseness. The person might feel problems with talking, breathing, and swallowing. Once it occurs, it usually lasts for 3-7 days. Want to know more about laryngitis treatment? Or, its causes? Keep reading all about laryngitis.

What is laryngitis?

The larynx is known as the voice box. It is usually made of two bands of muscles that stretch through the windpipe. The movement that is made through these muscles is called vocal cords. The most common cause of getting laryngitis is either overuse of vocal cords (such as shouting or singing) or viral infection (such as flu, cold, or cough). People might also get laryngitis due to allergic reactions, environmental irritants, smoking, asthma, bacterial infection, and even some medications.

The larynx is known as the voice box. It is usually made of two bands of muscles that stretch through the windpipe. The movement that is made through these muscles is called vocal cords. The most common cause of getting laryngitis is either overuse of vocal cords (such as shouting or singing) or viral infection (such as flu, cold, or cough). People might also get laryngitis due to allergic reactions, environmental irritants, smoking, asthma, bacterial infection, and even some medications.

Symptoms of Laryngitis

Well, laryngitis can cause several symptoms such as:

• Hoarseness
• Throat Pain
• Difficulty in speech
• Persistent cough
• Low Fever
• Frequent Throat Clearing

All the laryngitis symptoms can begin suddenly in a patient and get severe over the next 2-3 days. In case, the symptoms last longer than three weeks, then you need immediate attention as it can be chronic.

Symptoms of Laryngitis in Children

The symptoms in children can differ from those in adults. The child might get a barking cough, hoarse, and even croup.

Croup is a contagious respiratory illness that is quite common among children. Some symptoms require medical attention such as:

• A fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
• Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• High-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling
• Drooling

Diagnosis of Laryngitis

One of the most common signs of Laryngitis is hoarseness. You might notice changes in your voice with the degree of irritation or infection that ranges from mild hoarseness to a stage where there might be total loss of voice. If the voice hoarseness persists for a longer time, then it is a good time to visit your doctor. They will conduct a few techniques such as - Laryngoscopy and Biopsy to examine the condition of the vocal cords and further suggest treatment.