Laryngitis: what is it, causes, symptoms and treatments

If there is a sore throat and speech difficulties, you may have laryngitis. Although it is often confused with other throat diseases, such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, laryngitis has its symptoms and characteristics that define it and that you must know how to recognize.

It tends to have a higher incidence during the winter season, since respiratory diseases are more common in this cold season and sudden changes in temperature. But there are also other causes that can be avoided so as not to develop laryngitis.

• Related: "The 10 differences between cold and flu"

What is laryngitis?

Although it is not a serious disorder, it causes discomfort that can last for several days. Fortunately, there are treatments to relieve symptoms and feel better enough to get on with everyday life.

Despite the fact that laryngitis does not present complications, one must be attentive to any changes or situations that seem to make it worse. Do not hesitate to visit the doctor, who is the one who can better diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment for each case.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. Due to the location where the discomfort is perceived, it is usually confused with pharyngitis or tonsillitis. The big difference is that inflammation of the larynx also affects the function of the vocal cords, so the voice is affected.

The larynx is located between the trachea and the pharynx and one of its main functions is to emit sounds at will, which allows us to speak. This is so since the vocal cords are part of the larynx.

The reason why the larynx is commonly affected when there are respiratory diseases is because the larynx is part of the respiratory system. Hence, inflammations in the larynx can be caused by illnesses such as the flu.

Another fundamental function of the larynx is to protect the lower respiratory tract, since it is located before these delicate pathways acting as a line of defense, not allowing infections to go down to the lungs and bronchi.

Causes

There are several factors that could cause laryngitis. Although the most common is infection of the respiratory tract, this organ can be affected for other reasons and cause discomfort and pain.

Some causes of laryngitis are completely preventable and, especially in children, the necessary precautionary measures must be taken to avoid damaging this important organ. As already mentioned, laryngitis does not usually have complications, but in children it requires more attention.

1. Respiratory tract infections

As already explained, the most common cause of laryngitis is infection by viruses or bacteria.. Thus, when there is flu or cold, inflammation of the larynx can also occur as a consequence of the primary infection.

2. Excessive or inappropriate use of voice

Using voice volumes that are too high for long periods of time can cause laryngitis. Even speaking at a normal volume for too long times, especially if we are congested - since the air that passes through the larynx is drier - it can cause inflammation of the larynx.

3. Reflux

Having gastroesophageal reflux is a cause of laryngitis. Especially when it comes to a Reflux chronic and not a specific event, also known as acute. Because stomach acids rise up into the esophagus, the larynx can be affected, irritated, and inflamed.

4. Allergic reaction

Some symptoms of allergies involve the larynx, causing its inflammation. Not all allergy sufferers have the same symptoms, but some of them report that they feel a "closed throat" when they come into contact with their allergen agent.

5. Aerosol medications

Some diseases are treated with aerosol medications that can irritate the larynx.. If the intake of these sprays is frequent, the mucus of the larynx is altered and causes irritation and inflammation.

Symptoms

It is important to know the symptoms of laryngitis so as not to confuse them with another disease. As already mentioned, laryngitis does not usually present major complications and your symptoms may last just over five days.

However, it is important to be vigilant, especially in cases of children, because if in addition to the symptoms of laryngitis there are shortness of breath, fever or a high-pitched wheeze when breathing, then it is urgent to visit the doctor or the service of emergencies.

1. Dry cough

Dry cough is a symptom of laryngitis. A laryngitis should not produce excess phlegm or mucus, causing a dry cough, recognizable because no phlegm is heardIt is also known as an irritating cough.

2. Hoarseness or weakness of the voice

Another clear symptom of laryngitis is that voice is affectedWhether the voice is hoarse, very weak or even the ability to speak or generate any sound is lost, except when we cough.

3. Sore or dry throat

When there is laryngitis, there is pain or dryness in the throat. Also there may be a tingling or a distinct sensation of irritation. Any of these symptoms that are also accompanied by the previous ones, are clear evidence that there is laryngitis.

4. "Barking" cough in children

When laryngitis occurs in children, the cough is perceived as "metallic" or "barking". This is so named because of the similarity to a dog cough and can be very concerning. This type of laryngitis can be "croup" or "stridulous" and if it also generates respiratory distress or we perceive a wheezing when breathing, we must see a doctor immediately.

Treatments

If there are no major complications for laryngitis, it can be treated at home. As long as we keep an eye out for variations or complications, inflammation in the larynx requires some simple care that will help reduce discomfort.

As already mentioned, this illness can last for around 5 days. From there you can decrease the intensity. If not, then it is best to go to the doctor for a thorough analysis and rule out another type of disease.

1. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Laryngitis complaints can be treated with over-the-counter medications. It is a treatment to alleviate only the symptoms, since in the case of laryngitis due to infection, it only remains to wait for the life cycle of the virus or bacteria to pass. It is important not to self-medicate with antibiotics.

2. not speak

or talking until the voice is restored is a good way to take care of the larynx. It is not enough to speak slowly or whisper, in this way the vocal cords are also being forced that are inflamed during laryngitis. It is best to let them rest to recover their voice faster and suffer less discomfort.

3. Hydrate

Drinking plenty of fluids helps relieve the dryness characteristic of laryngitis. You have to moisten the area and liquids are our greatest ally for this. It is always better than avoiding carbonated drinks, but if we get tired of drinking water, preparing soft drinks such as lemon water can help hydrate our larynx.

4. Suck pills

There are specific pills for sale to relieve irritation and help regain your voice. They are usually very effective in the short term, although at home we can prepare a little honey with lemon to produce the same effect.

5. Do not smoke or be around smokers

Besides being very bad for long-term health, tobacco smoke easily irritates the respiratory tract. During an episode of laryngitis it is best to stay away from cigarettes, actively and passively. Otherwise, we can lengthen the laryngitis or lead to more serious complications.

Bibliographic references

• Ozlem E. Tulunay, (2008) Laryngitis — Diagnosis and Management, Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America.

• James Paul Dworkin, (2008) Laryngitis: Types, Causes, and Treatments, Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, Volume 41.