Laryngitis is inflammation and irritation of the larynx, the top of the trachea that contains the vocal cords superiors. When the larynx becomes inflamed and irritated, the vocal cords are damaged by changing the sound of the voice. The main symptom detected when suffering from laryngitis is hoarseness caused by swelling of the vocal cords. It is possible that initially, people may confuse your symptoms with those of tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Usually, the leading cause of laryngitis is a viral infection, although there are more causes such as allergies, bacterial infection, bronchitis, etc. At FastlyHealwe, explain the causes, symptoms and treatments of laryngitis.
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Causes of laryngitis
We can divide laryngitis into two types, and each one supposes different causes by which its origin of it can be explained:
acute laryngitis
It is the most common type of laryngitis and is temporary. With timely treatment, it can disappear in a few days. In this case, the causes can be:
- Viral cold infection . Laryngitis arises as a cause of a common cold or cold.
- Other viral diseases such as mumps and measles are highly contagious.
- Damage to the larynx due to overexertion of the voice due to shouting or excessive use of the vote.
- A bacterial infection causes laryngitis.
- Laryngitis is a result of an allergic reaction.
Chronic laryngitis
Laryngitis lasts for more than three weeks, and its symptoms take longer to develop. Usually, the causes are:
- The snuff contains toxic substances which irritate the throat and cause dryness.
- Irritating inhaled substances, such as chemical fumes, smoke, and allergens.
- Throat irritation by disease gastroesophageal reflux.
- The overuse of the voice causes damage to the larynx.
- The consumption of too much alcohol can also contribute to inflammation of the larynx.
- Bacteria cause chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms associated with laryngitis
As we explained previously, the main symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness. The signs in acute laryngitis are the same as in chronic laryngitis; the difference is that its duration lasts longer. The symptoms that we can associate with laryngitis are:
- Hoarseness is caused by inflammation and dryness.
- Headache is a symptom of a cold that causes laryngitis.
- Sore throat from inflammation and irritation.
- Fever caused by infection.
- Cough caused by bronchitis or sinusitis.
- Loss of voice due to a disturbance in the vocal cords.
- Tiredness and general malaise.
- Nasal congestion and runny nose.
Treatment of laryngitis
Laryngitis usually clears up on its own in about a week when it is caused by a viral infection. At FastlyHealwe provide you with a series of tips to treat this ailment and an article in which we explain some home remedies for laryngitis. However, remember that this is not a substitute for any medical diagnosis or treatment and that you should consult a professional if you feel that you are not in good health.
- Drink lots of water to prevent your throat from staying dry.
- Use an air humidifier to help with irritation.
- Don’t force your voice. Speak in a low tone and avoid going to places with a lot of noise.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol, as they will further irritate the larynx and could make your situation worse.
- Inhaling steam can also help decongest the nose.
When laryngitis is chronic, the doctor can fight it in different ways:
- Antibiotic. If laryngitis has been caused by a virus, the antibiotics will not work, so taking them would waste time. If a bacterium has been the cause, which is rare, the antibiotic will help us fight it.
- Corticosteroids. It is only used in urgent cases, such as when someone needs to use their voice for a conference or essential business matters. Corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and the duration of symptoms.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Laryngitis: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Ear, nose and throat category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.