Sore throats are a symptom of a lot of different conditions. They can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of something more serious. One of those more serious conditions that deals with your throat is laryngitis. What causes laryngitis, and what can you do to get your voice back?
What is laryngitis?
Laryngitis occurs when the voice box becomes inflamed. This results in a hoarse or lost voice, sore throat and sometimes difficulty breathing.
It can be caused by various factors, from infections to irritants or misusing your voice.
The larynx, which is in your throat, houses your vocal cords. When your vocal cords become irritated or inflamed, it can lead to symptoms like hoarseness, a scratchy or dry throat or even a complete loss of voice.
Laryngitis is either acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis is usually short-lived and often caused by viral infection. Chronic laryngitis lasts for longer periods and may be linked to ongoing irritants or using your voice too much.
If you’ve lost your voice, it may be time to make an appointment with a provider to determine the cause. If your primary care provider isn’t available or it’s after hours, visit your nearest urgent care.
What causes laryngitis?
It’s often not clear what causes laryngitis. However, some conditions where laryngitis is a side effect can be treated by your primary care provider or an urgent care provider.
Viral infections
One of the most common causes of laryngitis is a viral infection, sometimes from the common cold or flu. These lung infections can cause inflammation in your throat, leading to swelling of your vocal cords.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can also cause laryngitis. Strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, can lead to more severe throat infections, potentially causing a sore throat and other symptoms like fever.
Your primary care or an urgent care provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat.
Overusing your voice
Using your voice, especially straining it, can lead to laryngitis. Singing loudly, shouting or talking for long periods can strain your vocal cords. This is particularly common in teachers, public speakers and actors or actresses who rely on their voices daily.
Resting your voice and avoiding whispering (which can strain the vocal cords more than normal speaking) can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.
Irritants and environmental factors
Exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, strong odors and chemicals can inflame your larynx. If you work in environments with airborne irritants, like construction sites or factories, you may be more prone to developing laryngitis.
Reflux or acid reflux disease
Acid reflux – when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus and throat – causes irritation. This can lead to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a condition that affects your vocal cords and causes symptoms like hoarseness, sore throat and cough.
Avoiding foods that trigger reflux and managing acid reflux with lifestyle changes or medications helps reduce the risk of developing laryngitis.
Growth on the vocal cords
In some cases, hoarseness that won’t go away may be caused by benign growths on your vocal cords. These growths can develop from repeated vocal strain or long-term irritation. Your doctor may recommend some testing to determine if there is a growth on your vocal cords.
Postnasal drip and allergies
Allergies and sinus infections can lead to something called postnasal drip, where mucus from your sinuses drips down the back of your throat. This can irritate your larynx and vocal cords, causing you to lose your voice.
Easy ways to prevent and treat laryngitis
Laryngitis can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable. However, try a few at-home options to help you ease laryngitis and prevent it next time.
- Wash your hands regularly: Preventing viral and bacterial infections by washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid laryngitis.
- Rest your voice: If you are experiencing acute laryngitis, resting your voice is crucial for recovery. Avoid talking or whispering to reduce strain.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated will keep your throat moist and can reduce irritation. Warm fluids like tea with honey or gargling with warm water can soothe your throat.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid smoke, allergens and pollutants that can aggravate the condition. If you have allergies, manage them properly with medications to reduce the risk of laryngitis.
- Talk to your doctor: Your primary care doctor can help you determine if your sore throat is actually laryngitis. They may run some tests or refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for treatment.
How we can help
It’s not always clear what causes laryngitis. While most cases of acute laryngitis resolve on their own, it’s essential to rest your voice, stay hydrated and avoid irritants to help with healing. Taking care of your voice and practicing good hygiene can reduce the likelihood of developing laryngitis and protect your vocal health.
Your primary care provider can treat some conditions that cause laryngitis. For symptoms that need attention outside office hours, visit your nearest urgent care.
If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it’s important to consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Chronic laryngitis could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Learn about the urgent care services as well as the primary care and ear, nose and throat services we offer at Bon Secours.
