Laryngitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

By Cristiano Antonino On May 23, 2023

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx and the vocal cords in it. The larynx apparatus belongs to the upper respiratory tract

Specifically, the larynx is shaped like a hollow cylinder supported by cartilaginous structures, muscles and ligaments that allow the vocal cords to move.

It is located at the level of the neck, above the trachea.

The larynx has several main functions. It serves to channel air to the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and lungs.

It allows sounds to be emitted through the vibration of the vocal cords. Finally, it prevents swallowed food from entering the airways by channelling it properly, thanks to the epiglottis (elastic-type cartilaginous lamina), into the oesophagus.

From there it passes to the stomach.

Symptoms of laryngitis

The symptoms that presage this discomfort are generally

hoarseness or loss of voice;
presence of a dry, irritating cough;
inflamed throat;
itching and discomfort in the throat;
difficulty breathing.

Causes of laryngitis

The causes of laryngitis are numerous and differ depending on whether it is acute or chronic.

Laryngitis can therefore manifest itself in two different forms.

When these disorders appear suddenly and tend to worsen in a short time, we speak of acute laryngitis.

Acute laryngitis lasts for about 10 days. If it continues for more than three weeks, it is called chronic laryngitis.

Acute laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is manifested by:

viral infections, which is the most common type of laryngitis. The viruses involved in this infection are those of influenza, parainfluenza and colds (rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, adenovirus);
bacterial infections, although these are very rare. Haemophylus influenzae type b can cause a particularly severe form of laryngitis affecting the epiglottis;
acute laryngitis can also arise from prolonged vocal cord fatigue. For example, when one speaks very loudly for a long time;
exanthematic diseases, whether of viral or bacterial origin such as chickenpox, whooping cough, measles can be associated with acute laryngitis.

Chronic laryngitis

Chronic laryngitis, which occurs when discomfort gets progressively worse over a period of three weeks, can be caused by

chronic inhalation of irritants. For example, dust, smoke and toxic substances;
allergies or use of asthma inhalers;
smoking;
alcohol abuse;
gastroesophageal reflux disease;
chronic sinusitis;
fungal infections, which affect individuals with a weakened body defence system (immunocompromised) or develop as a result of treatment with corticosteroids used by inhalation (aerosol);
cancer of the larynx.

Diagnosis

When the patient is particularly unwell, he or she should go to the doctor, who may perform an instrumental test.

This examination is called a laryngoscopy and there are two types.

There is the indirect laryngoscopy, which consists of inserting a small mirror into the back of the mouth to see, with the help of a light source, the larynx.

Then there is direct laryngoscopy, which is performed using a laryngoscope.

This is a flexible, fibre-optic tube with a camera connected to a computer.

It is inserted through the nose and allows the exploration of all organs up to the throat.

Compared to the first test, this one is definitely more precise and accurate.

A better image of the larynx and vocal cords is obtained.

If the doctor suspects the presence of a larynx tumour, he may also prescribe other investigations such as computed axial tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

How to treat laryngitis?

Generally, laryngitis is of viral origin and therefore heals on its own within a week without the need for treatment.

If, after 10 days, all symptoms persist, in a serious way, it is then a good idea to contact your doctor to trace the precise cause of the problem.

Once identified, therapy will be based on it.

To speed up healing and feel less pain, it may be helpful to

avoid talking or do so in a low voice;
do not smoke and also avoid passive smoking;
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration of the mucous membranes. Alcoholic beverages and coffee should be avoided.
take anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen) in case of throat pain and headaches.

Acid reflux

If the cause of laryngitis is gastroesophageal reflux, the doctor may prescribe drugs that decrease the acidity of gastric secretions such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors.

Allergies

Laryngitis can also be of allergic origin and in this case should be treated with antihistamines.

In this case, it is absolutely necessary to avoid contact with allergens in order to reduce the allergy.

Prevention

How to avoid laryngitis? In reality, there are no particular indications for preventing an inflammation of the larynx.

We can, however, point out a few simple precautions that, if adopted, could help:

wash your hands frequently;
avoid contact with people with upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds;
do not smoke and avoid passive smoking;
avoid clearing your throat and coughing, so as not to worsen present complaints;
do not eat spicy food;
drink a lot;
make rooms more humid.

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