If your throat is dry and your voice is hoarse, there is a chance that you have laryngitis. Here are some quick facts to help you learn more about laryngitis treatment, its causes, and how to prevent it.
Medically reviewed by Diana Rose G. Tolentino, MD, MBA · Ear Nose and Throat · HMICare Clinic & Diagnostic Center
If your throat is dry and your voice is hoarse, there is a chance that you have laryngitis. Here are some quick facts to help you learn more about laryngitis treatment, its causes, and how to prevent it.
Your larynx houses your vocal cords. Normally, your vocal cords close and open smoothly to make sounds through their vibration and movement. However, those vocal cords become irritated or inflamed when you have laryngitis. The swelling can make a person’s voice sound horse and in some cases undetectable.
There are two types of laryngitis: acute and chronic laryngitis. Acute laryngitis normally lasts for less than three weeks, whereas chronic laryngitis lasts longer than three weeks.
The cause of your laryngitis can sometimes determine what kind of laryngitis you have, and this will determine your laryngitis treatment. Here is a quick rundown of what causes each kind of laryngitis.
Most acute laryngitis cases are temporary. The condition often goes away once your receive laryngitis treatment for the underlying cause. Here are some common causes of acute laryngitis:
Exposure to irritants over time is often a cause of chronic laryngitis. This kind of laryngitis can lead to vocal cord injuries, strain, or growths such as nodules or polyps. The cause of these injuries may include:
Though uncommon, the following are also causes for chronic laryngitis:
Chronic hoarseness causes:
Both acute and chronic laryngitis often have similar symptoms. Most symptoms of laryngitis happen suddenly and worsen in the first three days. Those symptoms may include:
Most cases of laryngitis go away after 1-2 weeks. However, some cases of laryngitis can lead to respiratory diseases that need immediate medical attention.
Some cases of laryngitis can be caused by an infection. If this is the case, there are chances that the infection could spread to other areas of your respiratory tract. However, this can be prevented if you receive laryngitis treatment for the infection promptly.
If you have laryngitis from an underlying condition, like throat cancer or vocal cord paralysis, there could be severe complications if the condition is not treated.
Certain factors can raise your chances of getting laryngitis. Some of those factors may include:
You can try preventive measures to decrease your chances of developing laryngitis. Things that you can try may include:
A doctor may perform a laryngoscopy to visually examine the back of your throat to see if you have laryngitis. Your doctor may also use a fiber-optic laryngoscopy to see how your vocal cords move while you speak.
In some cases, your doctor may do a biopsy if they think they see something suspicious. They will take a tissue sample to examine it under a microscope.
Most cases of acute laryngitis go away after one to two weeks, and symptoms may be eased with treatment. Some laryngitis treatment ideas that you can do at home to relieve your symptoms include:
A doctor may offer you other forms of treatment if you have chronic laryngitis from an underlying cause. Or they may prescribe antibiotics if the chronic laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection. However, antibiotics may not be given for laryngitis caused by viral infections.
Some doctors may also give you corticosteroids to decrease vocal cord inflammation. But this may only be given if you need to urgently use your voice.
While most cases of laryngitis go away by themselves, there are certain signs that you need to seek medical attention. For instance, you may need to consult a doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms after two weeks.
If you find it hard to swallow food or drinks and your throat is very painful, you may need medical attention. Additionally, you may need to consult a doctor if you keep developing laryngitis or other voice problems.
Learning the facts about laryngitis can help you determine the cause of your condition and the right laryngitis treatment for you.
Learn more about Throat Conditions here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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Medically reviewed by
Diana Rose G. Tolentino, MD, MBA
Ear Nose and Throat · HMICare Clinic & Diagnostic Center
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