This common vocal cord disorder will make your voice sound hoarse. While symptoms range from short-lived to long-lasting, most cases are not serious. But it is important to keep track of your symptoms, as persistent hoarseness may be a sign of a more serious condition.
How Vocal Cords Work
Your larynx is the structure that sits at the top of your throat and allows air to pass through to the lungs. Within your larynx are two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage known as your vocal cords. When working correctly, the cords form sounds through movement and vibrations.
Laryngitis occurs when your vocal cords become irritated or inflamed, distorting the sound of your voice.
Laryngitis Symptoms
The most reported laryngitis symptom is hoarseness, usually lasting less than a couple weeks. Additional symptoms include:
- Weak voice
- Tickling sensation in the throat
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
You should seek immediate medical attention if you have trouble breathing, cough up blood or have a fever that won’t go down. You should seek immediate medical attention for your child if they make a noisy, high-pitched sound while breathing, drool more than usual, have trouble swallowing or have a fever, as these can be a sign of croup, a disorder that causes inflammation of the larynx.
Laryngitis Causes
This voice disorder can either be temporary or long lasting.
Temporary
Most cases of laryngitis are caused by a viral infection such as the common cold. Yelling or over-using your voice can lead to vocal strain, another common cause. Although less common, a bacterial infection can also lead to this condition.
Chronic
If your condition lasts for more than three weeks, it is categorized as chronic. This type of laryngitis is caused by:
- Inhaled irritants
- Acid reflux
- Chronic sinus infection
- Continuous vocal strain
- Smoking
Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections can also lead to long-term laryngitis.
Laryngitis Diagnosis & Treatments
After a review of your medical history, your doctor will listen to your voice and take a closer look at your vocal cords. A biopsy and laryngoscopy may also be ordered.
A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from an area of the vocal cord in order to be looked at under a microscope.
A laryngoscopy allows your doctor to get a better look at your vocal cords by using an endoscope with a tiny camera on the end. The thin, flexible tube is inserted through your nose or mouth and into the back of your throat; your doctor will then ask you to speak so they can watch how your vocal cords move.
Resting your voice, using a humidifier to moisten the air and drinking plenty of fluids are usually all that is needed to treat a case of temporary laryngitis.
For those with chronic laryngitis, the treatment goal is to address the underlying condition. This involves quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and taking medication to relieve your heartburn.
To learn more about treating your laryngitis or to schedule an appointment with your ear, nose and throat professional, contact ENT of Athens today.