If hoarseness lasts for several weeks after a respiratory infection, or if hoarseness develops without any respiratory infection, check with your doctor to determine whether some other condition of the vocal cords, such as a tumor, may be causing the hoarseness. Treatment may include: Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Diseases of the Ear Nose Throat in Children, Voice and Swallowing Impact from Neurologic Disorders. Acute laryngitis is a short-term inflammatory condition affecting the larynx, or voice box, typically lasting less than 3 weeks. [18] In viral laryngitis, symptoms can persist for an extended period, even when upper respiratory tract inflammation has been resolved. [1], Sarcoidosis is typically treated with systemic corticosteroids. [1][16], Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial laryngitis, especially when symptoms of upper respiratory infection are present. The vibration of those cords is what produces speech. Gaviscon Liquid) may be more appropriate for some. [1] Acute cases usually occur as part of a viral upper respiratory tract infection. General Information | Self-Checker | Donate and Lend Support | Staff Appreciation | Get Email Alerts. Persistence of hoarseness for more than 3 months is not normal in adults or children, and may be an indication of a serious underlying … [17] If anti-reflux treatment does not result in a decrease of symptoms, other possible causes should be examined. [7] Antacids are often short-acting and may not be sufficient for treatment. [5] The acute form is common while the chronic form is not. What is acute laryngitis? For normal speech, your vocal cords need to touch together smoothly inside your larynx. To rest your vocal cords, talk as little as possible. Hoarseness, an abnormal change in your voice, is a common condition that’s often experienced in conjunction with a dry or scratchy throat. This relates to issues of effectiveness, side effects, cost, and possibility of antibiotic resistance patterns. [1] Antibiotics generally do not appear to be useful in the acute form. Voice disorders are caused by a variety of reasons and affect the ability to speak normally. Most acute cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infections. [6], The primary symptom of laryngitis is a hoarse voice. Examples of voice disorders include: Laryngitis. [1], Laryngitis is categorised as acute if it lasts less than three weeks and chronic if symptoms last more than three weeks. [1], In general, acute laryngitis treatment involves vocal hygiene, painkillers (analgesics), humidification, and antibiotics. Symptoms of laryngitis are present in only 0.5–5% of people that have sarcoidosis. Laryngitis makes the vocal cords swell, changing the way they vibrate and the sound of the voice. [1][7] These are typically used for up to three weeks and treatment may need to be repeated if the fungal infection returns.[7]. Available for Android and iOS devices. Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue or voice box (larynx) can cause a sore throat. Dysphonia, also known as hoarseness, is a general term used to describe a variety of changes in voice quality. Last updated on May 4, 2020. In either case, if the doctor suspects a bacterial infection, he or she may ask you to cough up some mucous (phlegm, sputum) and have it analyzed in a laboratory. [8] They can include, Aside from a hoarse-sounding voice, changes to pitch and volume may occur with laryngitis.

Chronic laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box that lasts for more than 3 weeks. If your doctor determines that a bacterial infection is causing the laryngitis, he or she normally will prescribe antibiotics. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions. Croup is a common respiratory illness in children that causes a change in breathing with a hoarse voice and a brassy, barking cough. The feeling that you need to clear your throat. [5], In severe cases of bacterial laryngitis, such as supraglottitis or epiglottitis, there is a higher risk of the airway becoming blocked. These problems occur when your vocal cords don't vibrate normally. Though this often results in damage to the outer layers of the vocal folds, the subsequent healing may lead to changes in the physiology of the folds. He or she may examine your vocal cords and your larynx using certain tests. Therapy is directed at exercises that improve vocal cord function and strength and also allows for adequate rest periods.

[1][3] The underlying mechanism involves irritation of the vocal cords.

Laryngitis is an inflammation or infection of the voice box (larynx) and the vocal cords it contains. Doctors examine vocal cords using an instrument with a light and a mirror placed in the back of the throat, which allows the doctor to see the vocal cords reflected in the mirror. Speakers may experience a lower or higher pitch than normal, depending on whether their vocal folds are swollen or stiff. But sometimes, laryngitis lasts longer and becomes chronic. [1] Treatment may involve humidification, corticosteroids, intravenous antibiotics, and nebulised adrenaline. If the laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the outlook depends on the type of bacteria involved. [1][7] Behavioural management involves aspects such as, Anti-reflux medications may be prescribed for patients with signs of chronic laryngitis and hoarse voice. National Institutes of Health (NIH) A disturbance in one of the three subsystems of voice production (i.e., respiratory, laryngeal, and subglottal vocal tract) or in the physiological balance among the systems may lead to a voice disturbance. [1] Over-the-counter medications for neutralizing acids (antacids) and acid suppressants (H-2 blockers) may be used. Bacterial infections of the breathing tubes (bronchitis) or lung (pneumonia) also can infect the larynx and cause laryngitis. A hoarse voice can be caused by anything that interferes with the normal vibration of the vocal cords, such as swelling and inflammation, polyps that get in the way of the vocal cords closing properly, or conditions that result in one or both of the vocal cords becoming paralyzed. Treatment is to rest the voice and drink plenty of fluids. Laryngitis often occurs along with a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, alerts, new drug approvals and more.