What is Acute Laryngitis?

Acute laryngitis is a short-term inflammation of the larynx region of the throat. Since vocal sounds originate in the larynx, one symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness or loss of the voice. Acute laryngitis is most often caused by a virus, but can also be caused by allergies, smoking, or overuse of the voice.

The larynx is one portion of the air passageway that connects the nose and mouth to the lungs. Located in front of the esophagus, the larynx is protected by nine rings of cartilage. It starts at the back of the tongue and extends down the front of the neck. The larynx is divided into an upper half and lower half by two sets of vocal folds or vocal cords. As air passes over these vocal cords, they vibrate and produce sound.

When a patient develops acute laryngitis, there is irritation and pain in the tissues of the larynx. There may also be swelling of the vocal folds, which prevents them from vibrating. Patients may either be hoarse or unable to make any sounds at all from the vocal cords.

Viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, are most often the cause of acute laryngitis. It may also be caused by smoking, allergies, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diagnosis is made by taking a patient history and examining lifestyle factors. Identification of possible causes will determine how the laryngitis is treated.

If a virus is suspected as the cause, based on whether the patient has other symptoms, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. The patient infected with a virus must wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. If the patient smokes or breathes secondhand smoke, efforts should be made to eliminate that behavior.

Treatment of acute laryngitis is usually limited to care that can be given at home to ease the symptoms. Patients may find relief by keeping the tissues of the throat moist with throat lozenges or by using a humidifier. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as herbal tea with honey, may help soothe the irritation in the throat. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help relieve pain and swelling.

Patients should rest and refrain from using the voice at all. Efforts should be made to communicate in writing rather than by speaking or even whispering. An episode of acute laryngitis should be temporary and should not last for more than two weeks. If the patient experiences symptoms beyond two weeks, he should contact a physician.