The term laryngitis refers to inflammation of the larynx. This portion of the throat becomes irritated and the voice becomes hoarse or even disappears altogether. In many cases, laryngitis is a minor and temporary condition caused by a cold or other recent ailment. However, it can also be a chronic disease, a sign of a more serious health problem. Learn to recognize the risk factors and symptoms of this inflammation to determine if your larynx is inflamed.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to the quality of the voice
The first sign of laryngitis is a hoarse or weakened voice; this becomes irregular, hoarse, hoarse or too low or weak. In acute cases the vocal cords swell and fail to vibrate properly. Try asking yourself:
- Is your voice guttural or croaking when you speak?
- Do you have the feeling that it is lower than usual?
- Do you miss your voice or does the sound fade away without you wanting it?
- Have you changed shades? Is the voice higher or lower than normal?
- Can't raise the volume of your voice beyond the whisper?
- Remember that voice changes can also occur after a stroke due to vocal cord paralysis. You may find that you are no longer able to speak. In this case, however, you should have other symptoms, such as deviation of the corner of the mouth, weakness in the limbs, inability to hold saliva and difficulty swallowing.
Step 2. Look for a dry cough
Irritation of the vocal cords triggers the cough reflex, but that typical of laryngitis is dry and non-greasy. This is because the tussive phenomenon is limited to the upper airways and not to the lower ones where phlegm usually occurs.
If you have a fat cough with phlegm, then chances are it's not laryngitis. Maybe you have a cold or another viral illness. However, this type of disorder can potentially turn into laryngitis after some time
Step 3. Look for a dry, sore throat that conveys a feeling of "fullness"
Laryngitis causes painful or otherwise annoying symptoms in the throat. You may feel that it is "full" or rough because the walls of the nasopharynx (the area where the airways meet the stomach) or throat are swollen. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your throat hurt when you eat or swallow?
- Do you feel the need to constantly clear your throat?
- Is the throat sore and "rough"?
- Is the throat dry or sore?
Step 4. Measure the temperature
In some cases, laryngitis is caused by an infection that could lead to even a mild or moderate fever. Check your temperature to see if you have a fever; if the answer is yes, you may have viral laryngitis. The fever should typically resolve on its own within a few days, while throat-related symptoms will last a little longer.
If the fever persists or worsens, you need immediate medical attention, as the infection may have evolved into pneumonia. Contact your doctor immediately if the temperature exceeds 39.5 ° C
Step 5. Try to remember if you have recently shown cold or flu symptoms
Typical signs of laryngitis often continue for several days or weeks after healing from a cold, flu, or other similar viral illness. If you have a sore throat and have had flu-like symptoms in the past few weeks, then you may have laryngitis. Specifically, the symptoms are:
- Rhinorrhea;
- Headache
- Fever;
- Exhaustion;
- Muscle aches.
Step 6. Assess if you are having difficulty breathing
This is a fairly common phenomenon during laryngeal inflammation, especially in young children. If you or your child is "short of breath", cannot breathe when lying down, or makes high-pitched sounds (screeching) when inhaling, then you may be suffering from laryngitis. In this case it is an emergency situation that must be immediately brought to the attention of a doctor. Go to the emergency room right away.
Step 7. Palpate the throat for lumps
Chronic laryngitis is sometimes accompanied by the formation of nodules, polyps, or growths near or directly on the vocal cords. If you feel like there is a "lump" blocking your throat, you may have laryngitis and you should see your doctor right away. In many cases, the presence of this growth is due to chronic inflammation caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The sensation triggers the desire to clear the throat. If you feel this need, try to resist, because the act of clearing the throat actually makes the situation worse
Step 8. Assess your swallowing skills
In severe cases the patient has difficulty doing this. There are other more serious medical conditions that are associated with laryngitis that can cause swallowing problems. For example, the presence of a tumor or a lump in the larynx can compress the esophagus and cause this kind of problem. This is a symptom that needs medical attention.
When the problem is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acids is observed. As a result, ulcers can form in the esophagus that prevent proper swallowing
Step 9. Write down on the calendar how long you have been feeling hoarse
Many people notice a drop in their voice from time to time. However, if the laryngitis is chronic it will last well over two weeks. Write on the calendar when you first noticed your voice problems and tell your doctor how long your symptoms last. This way he can determine if yours is a case of acute or chronic laryngitis.
- Hoarseness is characterized by a low, croaking voice that tires easily.
- In addition to laryngitis, there are several causes for hoarseness. A tumor in the chest or neck could compress the nerves causing this disorder. Other symptoms of cancer include a persistent cough, loss of appetite, edema of the arms and face and so on. Call your doctor right away if you experience these signs in conjunction with laryngitis.
Part 2 of 4: Knowing the Risk Factors for Acute Laryngitis
Step 1. Learn about acute laryngitis
It is the most common form and is characterized by the sudden onset of typical symptoms that reach maximum severity within a day or two. This disease usually clears up within a few days, and you should start feeling much better within a week. Most people have suffered from this disorder at least once.
Step 2. Know that the most common cause is a viral infection
Laryngitis is usually preceded by a respiratory infection, such as the common cold, the flu, or sinusitis. The acute form may continue for a few days after the other infectious symptoms have resolved.
At this stage, you can infect other people with the saliva drops emitted by coughing or sneezing. Practice good hygiene practices to avoid infecting others
Step 3. Be aware that bacterial infections can also cause acute laryngitis
Although they are rarer than viral ones, bacterial laryngitis is also possible and usually results from pneumonia, bacterial bronchitis or diphtheria. If so, you need to undergo antibiotic therapy to get rid of the disease.
Step 4. Consider whether you have been using too much voice recently
Another common cause of this inflammation is sudden abuse of the vocal cords. If you scream, sing or talk for a long time, you can strain the speech system and cause edema of the vocal cords. People who use their voices a lot for work or hobbies are at risk of developing chronic laryngitis. However, excessive use of the vocal cords can also lead to temporary laryngitis. The most frequent causes, in this case, are:
- Shout to be heard at the bar;
- Cheer on sporting events;
- Singing out loud without the right preparation;
- Talking or singing aloud in an environment filled with smoke or other irritants.
Part 3 of 4: Knowing the Risk Factors for Chronic Laryngitis
Step 1. Know what chronic laryngitis is
If the inflammation persists for more than two to three weeks, then it is referred to as "chronic". The voice usually changes gradually over a few weeks. The situation often worsens with prolonged use of the vocal cords, while in other cases it is an indication of other more serious pathologies.
Step 2. Remember that volatile irritants can cause chronic laryngitis
Prolonged inhalation of irritants such as chemical vapors, smoke and allergens is related to this type of inflammation. Smokers, firefighters, and individuals who work with chemicals are at increased risk.
You should also avoid exposing yourself to allergens. When the body exhibits an allergic response, all tissues become inflamed, including the larynx. If you know you are allergic to a substance, try to avoid it so as not to develop chronic laryngitis
Step 3. Be aware that GERD causes laryngitis
In fact, it is even the most common. Patients suffering from this pathology suffer from a reflux of gastric acids towards the esophagus and mouth. During breathing some of these acids can be inadvertently inhaled, thus irritating the larynx. Chronic irritation in turn causes the vocal cords to swell and consequently changes the voice.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is treatable by making dietary changes and taking medications. Ask your doctor for advice if you have chronic laryngitis caused by this gastric disease
Step 4. Monitor your alcohol consumption
Alcoholic beverages relax the muscles of the larynx making the voice hoarse. Prolonged intake irritates the mucous membrane of the larynx thus triggering inflammation.
Alcohol abuse can also worsen acid reflux disease and is a risk factor for some throat cancers. All of these diseases can in turn cause chronic laryngitis
Step 5. Know that overuse of the speech system can also lead to chronic inflammation
Singers, teachers, bartenders and speakers are at particular risk of developing this condition. Overuse of the vocal cords makes them thicker and strains them. Furthermore, an incorrect use of the voice leads to the formation of polyps (abnormal tissue growths) on the mucous membranes. If polyps grow on the vocal cords, they can irritate the larynx and thus cause inflammation.
If you are a professional exposed to this type of risk, consider seeing a speech therapist or taking diction lessons to learn how to speak while stressing the vocal cords as little as possible. It pays to rest your voice on days when you don't have to speak, sing, or scream
Part 4 of 4: Diagnosis
Step 1. Make an appointment with your doctor
If symptoms of inflammation persist or you show any particularly worrying signs, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, then you should call your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. Depending on the severity of the situation, you can limit yourself to going to your family doctor or undergoing the care of an otolaryngologist.
Step 2. Provide your doctor with your entire medical history
The first step towards making the diagnosis is a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask you questions about your profession, any allergies, any medications you are taking, your symptoms, and any recent infections you have had. This is the first step in determining whether or not you suffer from laryngitis and whether it is chronic or acute.
Your doctor will likely ask you if you have noticed symptoms of common health disorders that cause laryngitis, such as acid reflux, alcohol abuse, and chronic allergies
Step 3. Say "aaaaah"
The doctor will examine the throat and vocal cords with the help of a hand mirror. By opening his throat and making the sound "aaaaah" you allow him to see these organs better. The doctor will look at the larynx for swellings, lesions, polyps, growths, and color changes that can help diagnose.
If your doctor suspects the etiology is bacterial, they will arrange for a throat swab. Using a cotton swab he will take a sample of the throat mucosa and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure causes an unpleasant sensation in the throat, but it is a very brief discomfort
Step 4. Undergo more invasive tests
Your laryngitis is most likely an acute type and you won't need to undergo any other tests. However, if your doctor is concerned that it is a chronic disorder, cancer, or other serious medical condition, then you will need to perform tests to determine the severity of the situation. These are:
- Laryngoscopy. During this procedure, the otolaryngologist uses a light and mirror to examine how the vocal cords move. In some cases it is necessary to insert a thin tube with a video camera through the nose or mouth to get a better view of the behavior of these organs while you speak.
- Biopsy. If your doctor suspects that you have precancerous or cancerous cells, then they will perform a vocal cord biopsy. It will take a sample of cells from the suspected area and examine it under a microscope to identify whether it is malignant or benign.
- Chest x-ray. This is the most common test for children suffering from severe symptoms of laryngitis. In this way, any worrying edema or obstruction can be identified.
Step 5. Follow the advice of the otolaryngologist regarding treatment
Based on the etiology and severity of the inflammation, your doctor will develop a particular treatment to treat your laryngitis. In many cases, he will recommend that you:
- Let your voice rest. Avoid talking or singing until the condition has resolved.
- Don't whisper. This behavior stresses the vocal cords much more than normal speaking. Speak softly, but resist the urge to whisper.
- Don't clear your throat. Even if your throat gives you a feeling of dryness, "fullness" or roughness, do not clear it as it increases the pressure on the vocal cords.
- Stay hydrated. Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas. This way you lubricate the throat and soothe the pain.
- Use a vaporizer or humidifier. Make the air moist to relieve symptoms and help the vocal cords heal. Turn on a humidifier or vaporizer at night while you sleep. You can also take frequent hot showers to breathe in the steam.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is an acidic substance that unnecessarily irritates the vocal cords. Don't drink alcohol when you have laryngitis. Once healed, it is worth reducing its consumption to avoid new cases of irritation.
- Do not take decongestants. These medications help reduce the fat cough caused by colds. However, they worsen the dry cough that is typical of laryngitis. Never take this type of medication if you suspect that you have an inflamed larynx.
- Stop smoking. Smoking is a major cause of chronic laryngitis and can trigger other far more serious health problems, such as throat cancer. Stop smoking as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vocal cords.
- Soothe the throat. Herbal teas, honey, salt water gargle, and throat candy are all effective remedies for relieving pain caused by inflammation.
- Treating gastroesophageal reflux. If your laryngitis is secondary to this condition, your doctor will give you dietary recommendations and medications to help alleviate the condition. For example, you will have to eat small meals, not eat before bed, avoid acidic foods and drinks such as alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes or coffee.
- Undergo voice therapies. If you need to use your voice for your work, then you should rely on a speech therapist to learn how to use the speech system correctly. Many singers, for example, have to undergo these therapy sessions to learn how to project their voice without unnecessarily stressing the vocal cords.
- Take prescription medications. If the laryngitis is bacterial in nature, you will need to take antibiotics. If your vocal cords are so swollen that it interferes with breathing or swallowing, then you will be undergoing cortisone therapy to reduce inflammation.
Advice
- Take care of your diet, your behavior and the environment in which you live. Laryngitis can be triggered by many different factors. If you suffer from chronic hoarseness, keep a diary of your diet, activities, and the environments in which you spend your time, to begin isolating the causes of the disorder. This can help you prevent future episodes.
- Rest your voice as soon as you notice the first symptoms of laryngitis. This is the most common treatment. In many acute cases, the rest of the voice is sufficient to heal completely.
- Remember that whispering actually puts more strain on your vocal cords than speaking normally. Avoid the temptation to whisper, it is better to speak with a lower volume.
Warnings
- Go to the emergency room immediately if you have difficulty swallowing, breathing, there is blood in the phlegm, and symptoms persist or do not improve within a week or two. These are all signs of more serious conditions that are unlikely to go away on their own.
- Some of the symptoms of laryngitis are caused by serious conditions such as cancer, tumor or heart attack. Listen to your body and ask your doctor for advice if you think your laryngitis is actually something worse.
