Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Symptoms of laryngitis include:
- sore throat
- hoarseness
- loss of voice
Read more about the symptoms of laryngitis.
The larynx
The larynx is a tube-like structure found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea). The lump at the front of your throat, commonly known as the Adam’s apple, is your larynx.
The larynx has three main functions:
- It helps channel oxygen into your windpipe when you breathe.
- It acts like a valve, closing off the windpipe when you swallow to prevent food or liquid entering your airways.
- It contains the vocal cords which vibrate as air passes through them, producing the sound of your voice.
Laryngitis causes the vocal chords to become inflamed. They cannot vibrate properly, which leads to the loss of voice associated with laryngitis.
What causes laryngitis?
Most cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infection, such as a cold, and will usually pass within three weeks. This type of laryngitis is referred to as acute laryngitis.
Laryngitis can occasionally have other causes, such as smoking, drinking alcohol or an allergic reaction to something, and the symptoms can last much longer. This is known as chronic laryngitis.
Read more information about the causes of laryngitis.
Treating laryngitis
Acute laryngitis usually gets better without treatment within a week. To help your vocal cords heal, it is important not to smoke, to avoid smoky environments, drink plenty of fluids and try to rest your voice as much as possible.
The treatment for chronic laryngitis will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if the symptoms are due to an allergic reaction, it could help to avoid the substance you are allergic to.
Read more about treating laryngitis.
When to see your GP
See your GP if your symptoms last more than three weeks. You may need to be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for further tests.
Who is affected
Laryngitis is thought to be the most common condition to affect the larynx. However, it is difficult to estimate how common it is because most people don't report their symptoms to their GP.
Each year in England around 250 people are referred to hospital consultants for chronic laryngitis.
