What is Laryngitis (Inflammation of The Throat)?
Laryngitis is inflammation of your voice box (larynx) or vocal cords due to overuse, irritation or infection.
The vocal cords in your voice box move smoothly and create sounds through vibrations.
However, when you experience inflammation, your voice box swells.
And your voice becomes hoarse. In some cases, your voice can even become undetectable. You also complain of difficulty breathing, a sore throat and a hoarse voice.
What are The Types of Laryngitis?
Laryngitis is divided into two types: short-term and long-term laryngitis.
The type of laryngitis that is short-term and considered temporary is called acute laryngitis, while the more severe and long-term type is called chronic laryngitis.
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Acute Laryngitis:
The type of laryngitis that occurs temporarily as a result of overuse of the vocal cords is considered acute laryngitis. On the other hand, it can also occur due to an infection.
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Chronic Laryngitis:
Chronic laryngitis is a long-lasting and severe type of laryngitis caused by excessive exposure of the vocal cords to irritating substances.
What are The Causes of Laryngitis?
The causes of laryngitis, which can occur due to various reasons, may vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic.
Causes of Acute Laryngitis:
- Temporary strain on the vocal cords caused by shouting, singing or excessive talking
- Infections Caused by Viruses:
Flu, corona, herpes viruses - Bacterial infections
- Fungal (Candida) Infections:
Can be seen in individuals receiving long-term antibiotic and steroid treatment.
Causes of Chronic Laryngitis:
- Chronic overuse of the vocal cords
- Chronic sinusitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease:
Acid reflux can travel from the stomach to the throat. This can damage the larynx. The resulting irritation to the vocal cords can lead to laryngitis.
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Throat irritation caused by inhaled medications, such as asthma inhalers
- Throat trauma
- Allergies
- Fungal infections (such as thrush)
- Inhalation of chemical fumes
What are The Symptoms of Laryngitis?
Laryngitis can manifest itself with various symptoms.
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Hoarseness:
The voice is lower than normal or completely lost. The most common symptom. And sometimes it can last for a long time.
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Pain or Burning in the Throat:
There is discomfort, burning or pain in the throat. It becomes more noticeable during swallowing.
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Dry Cough:
It is a dry cough that especially irritates the throat. Cough attacks can sometimes continue throughout the night.
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Swelling in the Throat:
There is a feeling of fullness or swelling in the throat. This feeling can sometimes make breathing difficult.
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Difficulty in Swallowing:
There is difficulty or pain during swallowing. It occurs due to inflammation in the throat area.
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Shortness of Breath:
In severe cases, there is difficulty breathing. It is a symptom that should be paid attention to especially in children and babies.
How is Laryngitis Diagnosed?
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Patient History and Symptoms:
The doctor will take a detailed medical history to understand the symptoms the patient is experiencing and how long they have been experiencing them. It is important to provide information about symptoms such as voice changes, cough, and sore throat.
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Physical Exam:
The doctor will examine the throat and neck area, looking for signs of inflammation or irritation. The condition of the vocal cords may also be observed.
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Voice Tests:
Voice tests may be performed to further evaluate the condition of the vocal cords. These tests can help determine the vibration characteristics of the vocal cords and the degree of hoarseness.
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Blood Tests:
Blood tests may be used to determine the cause of the infection or to evaluate the body’s inflammatory response.
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Imaging Tests:
Radiologic tests may occasionally be required to obtain detailed images of the larynx region,
For example;
- Laryngeal magnetic resonance imaging, which provides images of the larynx,
- or X-ray imaging of the larynx.
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Bacterial or Viral Tests:
Your doctor may order viral or bacterial tests as needed to determine if the infection is viral or bacterial.
What are The Treatment Methods for Laryngitis?
Acute laryngitis usually heals on its own within a week. Self-care measures such as resting your voice, drinking fluids, and humidifying your air will also help reduce your symptoms.
Chronic laryngitis treatments aim to identify and treat underlying causes such as smoking or excessive alcohol use.
Your doctor will use the following medications to treat laryngitis:
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Antibiotics:
In almost all cases of laryngitis, antibiotics do not work because the cause is a virus. However, if you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will recommend an antibiotic.
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Corticosteroids:
These are man-made medications that mimic hormones your body naturally produces, such as cortisol. Corticosteroids help reduce vocal cord inflammation. And it relieves swelling.
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Painkillers:
If you are in pain, your doctor will recommend an appropriate painkiller. You should follow the instructions for your medications, how often and how much to take.
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Other Treatments:
Voice Therapy:
A speech therapist can teach you how to take care of your voice and reduce behaviors that strain it, especially if you have hoarseness due to occupational reasons (teacher, voice artist, etc.).
If you have a mass, polyp, or other disease in your voice box (larynx), you may need surgery to treat it.
What is Good for Laryngitis?
It is often possible to control laryngitis at home with some methods, natural remedies and teas.
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Using Lozenges:
Throat lozenges can help moisturize the throat and relieve pain. Lozenges can also help kill germs or reduce redness. Lozenges are not suitable for use in children under the age of 4.
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Rest the Vocal Cords:
In laryngitis, swelling develops due to irritation in the vocal cords. Time is needed for the swelling to regress. For this, it is necessary to avoid situations that require a lot of talking and shouting.
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Gargling with Warm Salt Water:
Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve pain and irritation in the throat.
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Moisturizing the Inhaled Air:
Breathing dry air can worsen throat irritation and inflammation in the vocal cords. Humidifying the air with a steamer or a wet towel hung on the radiator can have a positive effect on your symptoms. Just filling a basin with water and leaving it open in the room may be enough.
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Using Apple Cider Vinegar:
According to research, it has been determined that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial plants. Although it is thought that apple cider vinegar is good for this disease, throat inflammation, the presence of these symptoms is not enough.
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Green Tea with Honey:
A hot glass of tea is quite effective in soothing an irritated throat. In addition, according to research, there is evidence that compounds found in teas such as green tea have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. For this reason, it can be said that green tea, when combined with the healing properties of honey, is good for sore throats.
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Garlic:
Garlic has been used throughout history in many different societies to protect and treat diseases. Using garlic can help reduce the severity and duration of complaints related to infection.
What is The Difference Between Laryngitis and Pharyngitis?
Laryngitis & Pharyngitis are both disorders characterized by inflammation in the throat but affect different areas.
Laryngitis occurs with inflammation in the larynx area, the area where the vocal cords are located. It manifests itself with hoarseness.
Pharyngitis, on the other hand, occurs in the back wall of the throat. It occurs with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing and redness in the throat.
Both disorders can be associated with upper respiratory tract infections. The symptoms and treatment approaches are different.
What Happens If Laryngitis Progresses?
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Difficulty Breathing:
Laryngitis can cause hoarseness and cough due to inflammation of the vocal cords. However, in severe cases, difficulty breathing can occur due to swelling and narrowing of the vocal cords. This condition can be more serious, especially in children and elderly individuals.
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Epiglottitis:
Epiglottitis is a serious condition that occurs when there is an infection or inflammation of a structure called the epiglottis. In this case, swelling of the epiglottis can block the airway. And it may require immediate medical attention.
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Tracheitis:
If laryngitis progresses, infection can develop in the lower parts of the respiratory tract. This condition is called tracheitis. It can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
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Bacterial Infections:
Although laryngitis is often associated with viral infections, sometimes bacterial infections can also trigger laryngitis. These bacterial infections can lead to more serious symptoms. And may require appropriate antibiotic treatment.
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Difficulty Swallowing:
As laryngitis progresses, swelling and irritation in the throat may increase, which can cause difficulty swallowing.