Laryngitis refers to an inflammation or irritation of the larynx (voice box) that leads to hoarseness or a "loss of voice''. This is a temporary condition that resolves itself when the inflammation decreases. The voice box is located at the top of the trachea (windpipe). It consists of 2 vocal cords that vibrate when air passes over them. During laryngitis, these cords become swollen and this prevents them from producing sound well. Laryngitis is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections like the common cold, bronchitits, influenza, or pneumonia. Other factors may also include trauma (e.g., inhalation of extremely hot or cold air); overuse (e.g., public speaking, cheering, or singing); smoking; polyps or tumors on the vocal cords; allergies; and respiratory infections of childhood like croup and epiglottitis. 

Symptoms may include:

• Hoarse voice
• Dry, brassy cough
• Nasal congestion
• Sore, scratchy throat
• Low grade fever
• Fatigue and lethargy

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR CAN DO:

• Diagnose the disease by asking about your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory blood tests and x-rays of the throat.
• Examine swollen vocal cords with a special mirror.
• Swab the throat with a cotton applicator to obtain a sample for a throat culture. This helps to determine if the cause is bacterial or viral. If bacterial, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Try not to speak; this will allow the vocal cords to rest and recover.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to soothe the irritation. Remember to clean the unit every day.
• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for minor body aches and fever.
• Do not give aspirin to children with a fever or viral illness. This may provoke Reye's syndrome (a severe brain infection).
• Decongestants and expectorants may help to loosen and thin secretions. Talk to your doctor about the correct dosing for your condition.
• DO NOT smoke if you are sick, or let anyone else smoke, around your sick child.
• DO NOT use mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the tissues in the larynx.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• In some cases, simply not talking or whispering for a few days will resolve the condition.
• Most people completely recover within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Some complications include chronic laryngitis and laryngeal cancer (rare).

CALL 1061 OR SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If you or your child develops symptoms of laryngitis or if the symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks you or your sick child suffers difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, drooling, or difficulty swallowing.