Laryngitis is when the tissues of the larynx (the voice organ) become inflamed. Most people have experienced this disease at one time or another and it is usually linked to a viral infection in the upper airway. The inflammation can also be caused by other types of injury including overuse of the vocal chords; infection; inhaled irritants such as smoking; drinking alcohol; allergic reactions; and direct traumas.

Symptoms of acute laryngitis include the voice becoming hoarse, often reduced to a whisper as well as the feeling of needing to clear the throat constantly. In chronic laryngitis, loss of voice quality, a “lumpy” feeling in the throat and soreness or dryness, may be common symptoms. If there is pain swallowing or performing normal laryngeal movements, this is normally indicative of a more severe form of the condition.

Laryngitis

Early signs of infection by laryngitis include redness and dryness in the lining of the larynx along with stringy-like mucus between the vocal cords. When laryngitis is present due to a cold, the infection is usually dealt with by the body’s immune system after a few days. With chronic laryngitis, lifestyle changes can be a major factor in preventing an outbreak. These could include stopping smoking, avoiding food in the couple of hours preceding going to bed, using an extra pillow to keep the head raised and therefore avoiding problems with acid reflux (heartburn) from the stomach, and medication to decrease stomach acid.