Laryngitis and Hoarseness 

If you have ever experienced a sudden loss of voice or a hoarse, raspy voice that just won’t go away, chances are you may have dealt with laryngitis or hoarseness. These common voice disorders make it difficult to communicate effectively. However, understanding their causes and implementing appropriate treatments can help alleviate the symptoms and restore your vocal health.



Read on to learn about the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for these voice disorders. Discover expert advice and practical tips to alleviate your discomfort and restore your voice.

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the vocal cords and the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. This inflammation can lead to hoarseness or the loss of voice. Laryngitis can be acute, lasting for a short duration, or chronic, lasting for a longer period of time.

What is Hoarseness?

Hoarseness is a symptom that refers to the abnormal change in voice quality, characterized by a rough, raspy, or strained voice. It may also involve a change in the pitch or volume of the voice. Hoarseness can be caused by various factors, including laryngitis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord paralysis, and other underlying medical conditions.

Causes of Laryngitis and Hoarseness

Laryngitis and hoarseness can be triggered by various factors such as:

• Acute or Chronic Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or influenza
• Vocal Strain: Excessive or prolonged use of the voice, such as shouting, singing or speaking loudly for extended periods
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can cause irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness.
• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and inflame the vocal cords
• Allergies and Environmental Factors: Exposure to allergens, pollutants, or irritants in the environment, such as dust, chemicals, or secondhand smoke.

It's important to note that laryngitis and hoarseness can also be symptoms of underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, vocal cord nodules or polyps, or laryngeal cancer. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

The symptoms of laryngitis and hoarseness may vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Hoarse or raspy voice
• Reduced or lost voice
• Sore throat
• Coughing or frequent throat clearing
• Tickle or dryness in the throat
• Throat pain or irritation
• Difficulty swallowing
  

Diagnosis and Treatment

How are Laryngitis and Hoarseness diagnosed?

Diagnosing laryngitis and hoarseness usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and additional tests. The healthcare provider may perform the following to determine the cause and severity of the condition:

• Medical History: The doctor will ask questions about symptoms, duration, and potential triggers or underlying conditions.
• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider may examine the throat, larynx, and vocal cords using a lighted instrument called a laryngoscope.
• Voice Evaluation: In some cases, a specialized voice evaluation may be recommended to assess vocal quality, pitch, and ability to produce different vocal sounds.
  
• Additional Tests: In certain situations, additional tests such as imaging studies, laryngeal biopsy, or laryngeal electromyography (EMG) may be performed to rule out other possible causes.



Treatment options for Laryngitis

The treatment of laryngitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It typically involves a combination of self-care measures and medical interventions:

• Vocal Rest: Resting the voice as much as possible can help relieve strain and inflammation in the vocal cords.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids can keep the vocal cords moist and prevent dryness.
• Avoiding Triggers: Avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol consumption, and spicy foods can help alleviate laryngitis symptoms.
• Humidifying the Air: Using a humidifier or vaporizer can add moisture to the air and prevent drying of the vocal cords.
  
• Medications: In some cases, medications such as antibiotics (for bacterial infections), corticosteroids (for inflammation), or antifungal agents (for fungal infections) may be prescribed.
  

Treatment options for Hoarseness

The treatment of hoarseness also depends on the underlying cause. It may involve similar approaches as laryngitis treatment, along with specific interventions for certain conditions:

• Voice Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can provide exercises and techniques to improve vocal quality and reduce strain on the vocal cords.
• Surgical Interventions: In cases where structural abnormalities or vocal cord lesions are causing hoarseness, surgical procedures may be necessary.
• Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Treating and managing GERD can help reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat and vocal cords.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking can significantly improve vocal cord health and reduce hoarseness caused by smoking-related irritation.
• Treatments for Underlying Conditions: If hoarseness is due to an underlying condition such as thyroid disorders or neurological disorders, appropriate management of these conditions may help alleviate hoarseness.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for laryngitis and hoarseness. Each individual case may require a tailored approach to address the underlying cause and improve vocal health.

Home Remedies and Prevention

While laryngitis and hoarseness can sometimes be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain vocal health:

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Maintain good hydration
• Practice proper vocal hygiene, such as avoiding excessive shouting or screaming
• Manage acid reflux if present
  

Conclusion

Laryngitis and hoarseness can be a frustrating and isolating experience. The inability to communicate effectively, the emotional toll, and the potential professional setbacks can be overwhelming. By recognizing the symptoms early on and implementing effective treatments, you can minimize their impact on your daily life and regain your voice’s clarity and strength. If you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms of laryngitis or hoarseness, we highly recommend seeking professional advice from an ENT specialist who can provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Don’t let these voice disorders hold you back – take the first step towards vocal recovery today!

Medical Reviewers

ENT Care Centers | ENT Health Library

Last Review Date: August 2023

Content Reviewers:

• Dr. Jeffrey Nau, MD
• Dr. Joseph J. Creely, MD
• Dr. Bryan Murphy, MD
• Dr. Thomas Higgins, MD, MSPH·
• Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt, MD