Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. Located at the upper end of the trachea, or windpipe, the larynx contains the vocal chords that are used to form sounds. Because the larynx plays such an important role in speech, it is sometimes called the voice box. When the larynx becomes inflamed in laryngitis, it swells and reddens. The major symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness. Other symptoms include cough, a sore throat, and noisy breathing. Since laryngitis is so common—many people do not even see a medical doctor—the statistics on its overall frequency is difficult to calculate. However, it is known that laryngitis is most common in people from 18 to 40 years of age. It is less common, but still occurs, in infants, people from 3 to 18 years of age, and those over 40 years of age.

Laryngitis can be caused by infections of the upper respiratory tract, and is either acute or chronic. Acute infectious laryngitis strikes quickly and lasts a short time. The laryngitis that accompanies the common cold, the flu, or a bacterial infection as in strep throat, are all examples of acute laryngitis. Chronic infectious laryngitis is more serious and long lasting. Chronic infectious laryngitis can result from infection by the tuberculosis bacterium or by various yeasts or other fungi.

Although it is relatively rare, one form of acute infectious laryngitis can be fatal. The cause of this deadly laryngitis is a bacterium called Haemophilius influensae. In this infection, the larynx and the tissues surrounding it swell to such a degree that the windpipe becomes blocked. If untreated, the affected person can suffocate. This infection is extremely dangerous because the symptoms progress quickly, especially in children. A child with a cold or flu that leads to laryngitis should be watched carefully for signs of obstructed breathing.

Laryngitis can result from causes other than infections. Raising the voice for long periods of time has been known to cause laryngitis. Smoking has been linked to chronic laryngitis. A condition called gastrointestinal reflux can also lead to chronic laryngitis. In this condition, stomach acid is forced upward, refluxed, into the esophagus or food tube. If this acid is forced high enough, it can spill over into the windpipe, which can irritate the larynx and eventually cause laryngitis. Doctors treat this kind of laryngitis with antacids that neutralize the stomach acid.

Most people will experience a bout of acute laryngitis over a lifetime. Whether brought on by a cold or flu or simply talking too much, the cure is the same: rest the voice and drink plenty of fluids. Gargling with warm saltwater can also be soothing. Sprays that numb the throat are not recommended because they tend to dry out delicate tissues. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, also help, along with the use of vaporizers to create moist air

Alternative treatments include decoctions (extracts made by boiling an herb in water) or infusions (extracts made by steeping an herb in boiling water) can be made with red sage and yarrow or with licorice. These are used for gargling, and are said to reduce pain. Echinacea tincture taken in water every hour for 48 hours is recommended to boost the immune system. Antiviral herbs, including lomatium and ligusticum, may help hasten recovery from laryngitis. Some people may get relief from placing cold compresses on the throat. Most patients recover from laryngitis within a week.

A person can prevent laryngitis in the same way as any common cold, by washing hands often, avoiding touching the face and nose as much as possible, and by disinfecting household surfaces commonly touched by others such as door handles and telephone receivers. However, even with relatively good hygiene practices, most people will get about five to six colds per year, which makes it likely that a person may occasionally get laryngitis.