What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis describes inflammation of the vocal folds, no matter what the cause. As a result, it is what doctors call a nonspecific term, or a somewhat vague diagnosis. In the case of hoarseness that comes with a sore throat, cough and a fever, and lasts just a few days, laryngitis is probably an adequate diagnosis, as most such cases are viral in origin and will resolve with rest, hydration and other routine measures. Under certain circumstances, antibiotics may be appropriate, as determined by your physician.

If the voice change does not resolve as expected along with the other symptoms of a cold or flu, a cause for the laryngitis must be sought. More than likely, it is not infectious, as the body’s immune system is equipped to react to an infectious organism. The principal sources of chronic irritation of the vocal folds are laryngopharyngeal reflux, allergies and cigarette smoke, either your own or second-hand. It is also possible that there may be a small irregularity of the vocal cord, like a polyp or a cyst, that may not be noticeable unless there is some additional inflammation. This is sometimes the case in a person who notes that a cold “always goes to my vocal cords.”

‘Laryngitis’ is sometimes used simply to explain away persistent hoarseness. This is misguided, not just because it is probably inaccurate, but because hoarseness can be an early sign of a more serious problem. If there is a voice change that fails to improve for more than two or three weeks, the vocal folds themselves must be examined by a physician trained to do so. He or she should then be able to give a more specific reason for the change and recommend treatment.

Laryngitis is not the same thing as hoarseness.  When hoarseness persists beyond two weeks, especially without fever or other signs of illness, simple laryngitis is not an adequate diagnosis.

Most cases of laryngitis are treatable with medicine, and laryngitis by itself is not a reason for surgery.