What Is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis is inflammation in the tissues around your vocal cords. You may develop laryngitis after you’ve been sick with an infection.
Types of Laryngitis
Laryngitis generally lasts for 3–10 days. This is called acute laryngitis. There are two common types of acute laryngitis: viral and bacterial laryngitis. Both types of laryngitis tend to develop after an upper respiratory infection.
Symptoms of viral laryngitis typically improve with minimal medical treatment. But symptoms of bacterial laryngitis are more severe. Providers often treat bacterial laryngitis with antibiotics.
In rare cases, your laryngitis can last for weeks or months. This long-lasting condition is called chronic laryngitis. Causes of chronic laryngitis may include smoking or vaping.
Laryngitis Causes and Risk Factors
A bacterial or viral infection usually causes laryngitis. Some factors make you more likely to get laryngitis:
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Aggressive or frequent throat-clearing
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Conditions that affect your immune system, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes
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Jobs involving heavy vocal use, such as being a teacher, lawyer, or radio host
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Smoking or vaping
Some people simply have a stronger tendency to develop laryngitis. This is similar to how some people are more likely to get sinus or ear infections when they get sick.
Is Laryngitis Contagious?
Some types of bacterial laryngitis can be contagious. But it’s extremely rare that you’ll spread the condition. Upper respiratory infections are much more contagious than laryngitis. These infections can lead to laryngitis.
Laryngitis Symptoms
All types of laryngitis tend to cause similar symptoms:
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Coughing
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Need to clear mucus more often
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Raspy voice (hoarseness)
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Sore throat
Is Laryngitis a Sign of Laryngeal Cancer?
Laryngeal (voice box) cancer can cause vocal changes similar to laryngitis symptoms. However, laryngitis tends to develop suddenly and get better over time. Laryngeal cancer symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time.
When to See a Specialist for Laryngitis
You should see an ear, nose, and throat provider (otolaryngology specialist) if you’ve had laryngitis symptoms for six weeks or longer. An otolaryngologist can rule out other problems that may cause similar symptoms.
Find a Laryngitis Specialist
Laryngitis Diagnosis
Your specialist can start to diagnose your laryngitis when you discuss your symptoms and medical history. You may need to have a test called a laryngoscopy. First, your otolaryngologist gives you a medication to numb your nose before the procedure. Then, they insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera (laryngoscope) through your nose or mouth. They direct it to your throat to look at your vocal cords.
The laryngoscopy allows your otolaryngologist to see swelling, inflammation, or mucus around your vocal cords. It helps them diagnose viral or bacterial laryngitis. They can also tell whether you have a growth (polyp, cyst, or nodule) or tumor that could cause similar symptoms.
Laryngitis Treatment
Most people heal from laryngitis with home remedies.
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±á³Ü³¾¾±»å¾±´Ú¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô—Use a humidifier to bring more moisture to the air you breathe. Humidity can help ease dryness and discomfort in your throat and vocal cords.
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±á²â»å°ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô—Drink plenty of water to keep your throat hydrated.
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Over-the-counter medications—You may take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or mucus-thinning medicines.
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Vocal rest—Rest your voice if talking is painful. Try to avoid throat-clearing and aggressive coughing while you heal.
Your otolaryngologist may prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial laryngitis. They may prescribe steroid medications on rare occasions.
Laryngitis Prevention
No single strategy prevents laryngitis. Some behaviors can lower your risk:
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Avoid clearing your throat or coughing as much as you can.
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Choose throat lozenges that are glycerin-based instead of menthol-based.
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Drink plenty of water.
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Run a humidifier in your home. Be sure to clean the humidifier often.
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Use over-the-counter cough suppressants when needed.
Laryngitis usually develops from an infection. The same strategies that prevent illness can help prevent laryngitis:
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Avoid contact with people who are sick.
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Disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.
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Wash your hands with soap and water.
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Wear a mask if you’re around someone who’s sick.
Why Choose Â鶹ѧÉú¾«Æ·°æ?
Our team includes otolaryngologists with specialty training in airway, swallowing, and voice disorders. This expertise enables us to diagnose and treat a full range of rare and complex conditions.
Your care team includes collaboration with speech-language pathologists specializing in vocal disorders. Few speech therapists in the country have this training. We bring you comprehensive, highly specialized, effective care.
Make an Appointment
Call 801-587-8368 to make an appointment with an otolaryngologist. You don’t need a referral to see an otolaryngologist.
You do need a referral to make an appointment with a voice disorders specialist. Â鶹ѧÉú¾«Æ·°æ providers can send referrals through MyChart. Providers who aren't part of U of U Health can fax referrals to 801-587-3569.
