What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis Types, Causes, Testing, Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention

Laryngitis is a common health issue in India, often leading to hoarseness or loss of voice. Understanding its types, causes, how to test, risk factors, and prevention is important for early intervention, especially for residents of Pune.

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box), resulting in hoarseness, sore throat, and sometimes temporary loss of voice. It happens when the vocal cords become swollen due to infection, irritants, or overuse of the voice.

Types of Laryngitis

1. Acute Laryngitis: Temporary, often lasts less than 2 weeks. Usually caused by viral infection (e.g., cold, flu) or vocal strain.
2. Chronic Laryngitis: Lasts more than 3 weeks. Usually due to ongoing irritation (smoking, alcohol, GERD, chemical exposure) or misuse of voice.

How to Test for Laryngitis?

1. Clinical Examination: Doctor checks throat, voice, and symptoms.
2. Laryngoscopy: A scope is used to look directly at the larynx to check for swelling, redness, or lesions. Recommended for persistent (chronic) cases.
3. Lab Tests
    Blood test (CBC)
    Throat swab for bacterial or fungal examination
    Strep test for bacterial laryngitis
4. Related Respiratory Testing If; Symptoms suggest a broader respiratory infection or complication, sputum testing, chest X-ray, or other evaluations may be recommended.
   For more details, read: What is Respiratory Infection? How to Test for Respiratory Infection

Causes of Laryngitis

• Acute Laryngitis: Viral infections (most common), bacterial infections, vocal cord strain (yelling, singing), exposure to irritants.
• Chronic Laryngitis: Smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol, exposure to chemical fumes or dust, acid reflux (GERD), allergies, frequent voice misuse, ongoing respiratory infection, and environmental pollutants.

Risk Factors & Who is at Risk?

1. Smoking and tobacco chewing: Highly prevalent in India, especially among men.
2. Alcohol consumption: Also a key risk in Indian males.
3. Respiratory tract infections: Common due to pollution and crowded living.
4. Occupational exposure: Factory and traffic workers in Pune at higher risk.
5. Voice overuse: Teachers, street vendors, singers.
6. Acid reflux (GERD): Increasing due to dietary patterns.
7. Allergies & Asthma: More common with urban pollution.
8. Age group: Most patients between 20–40 years, but risk increases with age.
9. Weakened immunity: Elderly, diabetes, chronic illnesses.

How to Treat Laryngitis?

Acute Laryngitis

• Most cases heal on their own within 1–2 weeks.
• Rest your voice.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids.
• Use a humidifier.
• Avoid irritants: smoke, alcohol, spicy food.

Chronic Laryngitis

• Identify and treat underlying cause: quit smoking, treat acid reflux, manage allergies, reduce exposure to irritants.
• Voice therapy for those with repeated strain.
• Rarely, medications like antibiotics (if bacterial) or corticosteroids (for severe swelling) may be prescribed, always under a doctor’s supervision.

How to Prevent Laryngitis?

• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine; they dehydrate the throat.
• Avoid spicy foods if you are prone to acid reflux.
• Use a microphone instead of shouting.
• Maintain good hand hygiene to reduce viral infections.
• Stay away from people with respiratory infections.
• Keep your throat hydrated by drinking water and using humidifiers.
• Practice healthy eating (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
• For professional voice users: regular voice therapy and periodic vocal rest.

Is laryngitis contagious?

Usually, acute laryngitis due to viral or bacterial infection can be contagious. Chronic laryngitis from irritants is not contagious.

How long should I rest my voice with laryngitis?

Rest until your voice improves—usually 1–2 weeks for acute cases. Avoid whispering as it may strain vocal cords even more.

When should I see a doctor for laryngitis?

See a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist beyond 2–3 weeks
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• High fever or blood in sputum
• If you are a professional voice user.