LARYNGITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--A minor inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and surrounding tissues, causing temporary hoarseness. It is more common during epidemics of seasonal virus infections (late fall, winter, early spring).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Larynx (voice box); the upper part of the neck, behind the Adam's apple.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Hoarseness or loss of voice.
• Sore throat; tickling in the back of the throat.
• Sensation of a lump in the throat.
• Slight fever (sometimes).
• Swallowing difficulty (rare).
• Tiredness.

CAUSES--

Inflammation of the vocal cords and surrounding area caused by:

• Viruses (common).
• Bacteria (rare).
• Allergies.
• Excessive use of the voice.
• Electrolyte-balance disturbances, especially low potassium, that cause muscle weakness (sometimes).
• Tumors (rare).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Exposure to irritants distributed by air-conditioning systems, such as mold, pollen and pollutants.
• Extremely cold weather.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Recent respiratory illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid yelling or straining your voice.
• Treat respiratory infections carefully.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. Treatment by an ear, nose and throat specialist might be helpful for persistent cases.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Chronic hoarseness.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Spontaneous recovery for viral laryngitis in 10 to 14 days. Bacterial infections are usually curable in 7 to 10 days with antibiotic treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't use your voice (even whispering may strain vocal cords). For most cases, resting the voice for a few days is all that is needed.
• Use a cool-mist, ultrasonic humidifier to increase air moisture and ease the constricted feeling in the throat. Clean humidifier daily.
• Hot, steamy showers also help.
• Avoid smoking and secondary cigarette smoke.
• Don't gargle or use mouthwashes (many contain alcohol, which is irritating).

MEDICATION--For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, aspirin or cough syrup.

ACTIVITY--Rest more frequently.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have hoarseness or other symptoms of laryngitis that last longer than 2 weeks. Though rare, it could be an early sign of cancer.
• You feel very ill, have a high fever or breathing difficulty. If these symptoms develop in a child, call your doctor immediately.