Laryngitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection of the larynx, or voice box, which is at the top of the trachea, or windÂpipe. The infection causes general inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx, including the vocal cords. In young children, because the opening of the larynx is very narrow, the swollen membrane sometimes interferes with breathing . Occasionally, laryngitis is caused simply by irritation and inflammation of the larynx without infection. This may be caused by tobacco smoke, alcohol, or excessive shouting, talking, or singing. The main symptom is hoarseness, which may lead to loss of voice in two or three days. Speaking may even become painful. There may be fever or other symptoms associated with influenza, or flue. Most people recover in a few days.
What are the Risks?
Uncomplicated attacks of laryngitis are not dangerous. The main risk is that a condition similar to laryngitis is one symptom of tumors in the larynx . Sometimes painful swallowing and earache associated with hoarseness are symptoms of tuberculosis that is spreading from the lungs. This is rare, but when it occurs the apparent laryngitis may be the first symptom
What should be done?
If you think you have laryngitis and you are otherwise in good condition, stay home, rest your voice, and do not smoke or drink alcohol until the inflammation clears up and you can talk normally. This improvement should take no more than four or five days. If hoarseness persists for more than a week, you may have chronic laryngitis. Consult your physician, who may question you about your general health and examine your throat. If there is no inflammation, you do not have laryngitis, and you may need diagnostic tests.
If your physician finds that you have chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, or tuberculosis, treatment of the underlying condition should relieve the laryngitis-like symptoms.