Learn About Laryngitis
Laryngitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the voice box (larynx). The problem is most often associated with hoarseness or loss of voice.
Hoarseness - laryngitis
The voice box (larynx) is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness. Sometimes, the airway can get blocked.
The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by:
- Allergies
- Bacterial infection
- Bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Injury to the throat
- Irritants and chemicals
- Overuse of the voice
Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection, which is typically caused by a virus.
Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to a dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include:
- Croup
- Epiglottitis
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck
Laryngitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics likely will not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.
Resting your voice helps to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain medicines may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
Proliance Surgeons
Thomas A. Knipe, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric disorders of the head and neck. While practicing all aspects of otolaryngology, he has a special interest in sinus, sleep and breathing disorders and tumors of the head and neck. He is trained in advanced surgery of the sinuses and skull base to bring his patients safe and proven treatments for complex tumors of the skull base and more common sinus and breathing limitations alike. He treats patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck including thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands and is trained in salivary gland-saving endoscopic techniques to remove salivary stones. In his practice, he takes great care to educate his patients and apply his medical expertise to partner with and guide each one through important medical decisions.He is committed to serving the world’s poor and underserved through medical and surgical mission work. He travels overseas to perform surgical repair for children and adults with cleft lip and palate, thyroid disease and benign and malignant disorders of the head and neck.A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Knipe takes the Northwest’s healthy and active lifestyle to heart. He is an avid runner and works hard to keep up with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and competing in ultimate Frisbee. Dr. Knipe is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngitis. His top areas of expertise are Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Trachoma, Perichondritis, and Tissue Biopsy.
Proliance Surgeons
Roger S. Zundel, MD, practices general and pediatric otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, head and neck cancer, and otology. He believes listening to his patients is the key to earning their trust. He understands that ensuring a patient feels cared for is as important as his medical expertise. He is an active member of Overlake Hospital's staff and has served on multiple hospital committees.Outside of work, Dr. Zundel enjoys skiing, hiking and spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is learning Spanish and classical guitar. Dr. Zundel is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngitis. His top areas of expertise are Trachoma, Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Johns Hopkins University
Lee Akst is an Otolaryngologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Akst is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngitis. His top areas of expertise are Spasmodic Dysphonia, Laryngitis, Perichondritis, Endoscopy, and Laryngectomy. Dr. Akst is currently accepting new patients.
Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition often gets better on its own.
In rare cases, severe respiratory distress develops. This requires immediate medical attention.
Contact your provider if:
- A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling
- A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness
- Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult
To prevent getting laryngitis:
- Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
- Wash your hands often.
- Do not strain your voice.
- Stop smoking. This can help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which can lead to hoarseness.
Summary: The overall aim of the study is to develop a nutritional preventive vitamin D supplementation strategy in pregnancy for early childhood asthma/persistent wheeze during the first three years of life as we hypothesize that supplementation in higher doses than recommended could reduce the risk of disease development.
Summary: The overall aim of the study is to develop a nutritional preventive fish oil supplementation strategy in pregnancy for early childhood asthma/persistent wheeze during the first three years of life as we hypothesize that both supplementations in higher doses than recommended could reduce the risk of disease development.
Published Date: October 09, 2024
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Flint PW. Throat disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 397.
Rodrigues KK, Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier;2025:chap 433.