Laryngitis
Hoarseness is called laryngitis. It occurs when the throat becomes inflamed. It can be the result of overuse, infection, or irritation. Laryngitis can also be a symptom of certain illnesses, diseases, and health problems. It can be treated and is not considered a serious health problem on its own.
Risk Factors for Laryngitis
Anyone can get laryngitis, but there are certain risk factors that make a person more likely to get it. It can affect people of all ages and gender, and most people will experience it at least once in their lifetime. Some of those risk factors include:
- Respiratory infections
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Excessive stomach acid
- Working around chemicals
- Speaking to loudly
- Throat injury
Causes of Laryngitis
Most types of laryngitis are not permanent and clear up quickly. The severity of the problem is often dependent on the cause. The cause of laryngitis is usually easy for a doctor to find. Sometimes, there is no cause at all. Some common causes include:
- Viral infection
- Overusing voice
- Bacterial infections
- Throat injuries
- Strep throat
- Common cold
- Burn injury
Symptoms of Laryngitis
Laryngitis can be a symptom, but it also has its own symptoms. Some people only experience a few symptoms of laryngitis while others experience all of them. It can be mild or severe. Many people do not seek treatment, because their symptoms are so mild. Some of the most common symptoms include:
• Hoarseness
• Weak voice or voice loss
• Tickling sensation and rawness of your throat
• A sore throat
• Dry throat
Diagnosis of Laryngitis
Doctors can often diagnose laryngitis just with the presence of hoarseness. Still, they may want to perform tests to determine the cause and come up with the proper treatment. Some of the tests they use to diagnose laryngitis include:
- Biopsy
- Laryngoscopy
- Treatment of Laryngitis
Treatment of Laryngitis
Laryngitis treatments are focused on treating the cause and symptoms. In many cases, it will clear up on its own. Some patients may require more than one treatment to successfully fight off the cause of laryngitis. The most common treatments include:
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids
If there is no medical reason for the laryngitis, doctors may suggest that patients treat it at home. Some common home treatments include:
- Breathing moist air
- Resting voice
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Moistening throat often
- Avoid decongestant
- Avoid whispering
Prognosis of Laryngitis
Laryngitis is usually not considered a serious health problem. In most cases, it can clear up on its own in a few days. Treatments are also successful at getting rid of the underlying cause of the laryngitis. People who experience chronic laryngitis may find that it lasts longer each time. In rare cases, patients do experience long-term and even permanent hoarseness.
Complications of Laryngitis
There are very few complications linked to laryngitis, but they can occur. If the cause of the laryngitis is not diagnosed or treated, infections can become severe and spread to other areas. Some other common complications associated with laryngitis include:
- Vocal cord damage
- Laryngeal cancer
- Dysphonia
- Respiratory infections
- Chronic cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Sinus problems
