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Laryngitis Symptoms – Causes & Treatment
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx that typically causes hoarseness, voice loss, and a sore throat. Learn about the key symptoms and when to seek medical advice.
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Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx that typically causes hoarseness, voice loss, and a sore throat. Learn about the key symptoms and when to seek medical advice.
What Is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box), most commonly affecting the vocal cords. It can be acute or chronic and is frequently caused by viral or bacterial infections. Laryngitis often accompanies a common cold or upper respiratory tract infection.
Symptoms of Laryngitis
The symptoms of laryngitis can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. The most common complaints include:
- Hoarseness: The hallmark symptom of laryngitis. The voice sounds rough, strained, or raspy.
- Voice loss (aphonia): In severe cases, the voice may disappear entirely.
- Sore throat and throat irritation: A burning or scratching sensation in the throat is typical.
- Dry, irritating cough: Usually without mucus or phlegm.
- Difficulty swallowing: Swallowing may be painful or uncomfortable.
- Sensation of a lump in the throat: A feeling as if something is stuck in the throat.
- Shortness of breath: Especially in children, significant swelling can lead to breathing difficulties (croup).
- General malaise: Fatigue, mild fever, and a general feeling of being unwell may also occur.
Acute vs. Chronic Laryngitis
Acute Laryngitis
Acute laryngitis starts suddenly and typically lasts fewer than three weeks. It most often occurs in the context of a cold, influenza, or other respiratory infections. Symptoms usually resolve on their own within one to two weeks.
Chronic Laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis persists for more than three weeks and is often caused by ongoing irritation such as smoking, excessive voice use, acid reflux (GERD), or persistent allergies. Symptoms are usually milder but long-lasting.
Causes of Laryngitis
The most common causes of laryngitis include:
- Viral infections (e.g., cold viruses, influenza)
- Bacterial infections (less common)
- Vocal strain (e.g., in singers, teachers, or public speakers)
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Allergic reactions
- Exposure to irritating substances or chemicals
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, acute laryngitis resolves without medical treatment. However, a doctor should be consulted if:
- hoarseness persists for more than two to three weeks
- severe difficulty breathing or swallowing occurs
- high fever or intense throat pain is present
- blood is found in coughed-up mucus
- a child develops a barking cough (croup)
Diagnosis
A doctor will begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Using a laryngoscope, the larynx can be directly visualized to confirm the inflammation and rule out other conditions such as polyps or tumors.
Treatment and Tips
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Voice rest: Speak as little as possible. Avoid whispering, as it strains the vocal cords even more.
- Stay hydrated: Warm drinks such as herbal tea with honey help to soothe and moisten the mucous membranes.
- Increase air humidity: Steam inhalation can provide relief.
- Quit smoking: Nicotine significantly delays healing.
- Antibiotics: Only appropriate when a bacterial infection has been confirmed.
- Corticosteroids: May be used in severe cases or for croup in children.
References
- Dellweg D. et al.: Diseases of the Larynx. In: Herold G. (Ed.) Internal Medicine. Self-published, Cologne, 2023.
- Reveiz L., Cardona A.F.: Antibiotics for acute laryngitis in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. Available at: www.cochranelibrary.com
- World Health Organization (WHO): Acute respiratory infections. Available at: www.who.int
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