"Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal cords. When the vocal cords swell, it changes the airflow and distorts the sound, leading to hoarseness. It can be acute or chronic and requires medical attention if it persists for more than 2-3 weeks."
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal cords.
The vocal cords normally open and close smoothly and in a steady motion to produce sound. When a person has laryngitis, their vocal cords are swollen. This changes the way air moves through the throat. This change in airflow leads to distortion of the sounds produced by the vocal cords. In chronic laryngitis, the inflammation is ongoing. The vocal cords can become strained, and growths such as polyps or nodules may develop. If your laryngitis persists for a period like 2 weeks, you should seek medical help from your doctor for hoarseness treatment.
Laryngitis Symptoms
Laryngitis symptoms seen in adults can be due to many reasons, including the following:
These symptoms start suddenly and often become more severe within 2 to 3 days. If symptoms last for more than 3 weeks, it is likely that the case has become chronic. This indicates a more serious underlying cause that requires further investigation.
Laryngitis symptoms often accompany other illnesses. A throat infection, cold, or flu can occur along with a case of laryngitis. Therefore, the following symptoms may also appear:
The symptoms are likely to resolve without treatment by the seventh day of the infection. You should consult a doctor if symptoms persist for longer.
Laryngitis Symptoms in Children
Laryngitis symptoms in children can be slightly different from those in adults. What is laryngitis in children? It is a common contagious respiratory illness among children, also known as acute laryngitis. It is an upper respiratory tract obstruction caused by an acute laryngitis infection, common in children between 6 months and 3 years old. It is recommended to seek medical help for children experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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These symptoms can also indicate epiglottitis. This is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the trachea or windpipe. It is commonly seen in both adults and children. As it can be dangerous, medical treatment should be sought.
Laryngitis Treatment
Acute laryngitis often resolves on its own within a week. You can alleviate the symptoms with home treatments.
Treatments for chronic laryngitis aim to address the underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking, or excessive alcohol use.
Medications used in some cases include:
Since the cause of hoarseness is often a common cold, a large part of the treatment consists of resting at home.
