Do you notice any scratching or vocal fry when you speak? Does your voice sound more gravelly than usual? Does your voice give out or soften when you don’t want it to? Has your voice changed pitch? Is it higher or lower than usual?[4] X Research source Is it hard to raise your voice above a whisper? Be aware that a change in your voice may also occur after a stroke, when the vocal cords are paralyzed. You may find that you’re unable to speak at all. However, there will be other symptoms such as deviation of angle of mouth, weakness of limbs, drooling, and difficulty in swallowing, etc.
If your cough is wet and produces sputum, you most likely do not have a case of laryngitis. You might have a cold or other virus. However, these viruses have the potential to turn into laryngitis after a while.
Does my throat hurt when I swallow or eat? Do I feel the urge to clear my throat constantly? Does my throat feel tickly or scratchy? Does my throat feel dry or raw?[6] X Research source
If the fever persists or gets worse you should seek medical attention promptly because it may be a sign of pneumonia. You should also contact a doctor immediately if your temperature hits 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A runny nose Headache Fever Fatigue Body aches and pains
The sensation may provoke a desire to clear the throat. If you do have this urge, try to resist it: clearing your throat aggravates the condition.
In laryngitis due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, there will be chronic irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid. Consequently, there may be ulcers in the esophagus that lead to swallowing difficulty. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Voice hoarseness is characterized by a low, raspy voice which tires easily. There are other causes of chronic hoarseness besides laryngitis. A tumor in the chest or neck may compress the nerves leading to hoarseness. Other symptoms of a tumor include long term cough, bloody sputum, weight loss, appetite loss, swelling of the face and arms, etc. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms alongside your laryngitis. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You may infect other people by spreading droplets with coughing or sneezing. Practice proper hygiene to avoid infecting others.
Yelling to be heard at a bar Cheering at a sporting event Singing loudly without proper training Talking or singing loudly in a location filled with smoke or other irritants
You should also avoid exposure to allergens. When your body experiences an allergic reaction, all the tissues will suffer inflammation, including the larynx. If you know you are allergic to a substance, try to avoid having that substance in your home to ensure that you do not experience chronic laryngitis.
GERD is a condition that is treatable with dietary changes and medication. Consult your doctor if you have chronic laryngitis caused by acid reflux disease.
Alcohol overconsumption might also exacerbate acid reflux disease and is a risk factor for certain throat cancers. These conditions might also lead to chronic laryngitis.
If you are in a profession that is at a high risk of chronic laryngitis, consider taking special speech therapy or voice lessons to train yourself to speak in a way that is easy on your vocal cords. It is also wise for you to rest your voice on days when it is not absolutely necessary for you to talk, yell, or sing. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your doctor will likely ask about symptoms of common medical ailments that lead to chronic laryngitis, such as acid reflux, alcohol use, and chronic allergies.
If your doctor suspects a bacterial cause for your laryngitis, you might also have to provide a throat culture. Your doctor will lightly swab the back of your throat and send it to the lab for testing. This leads to an unpleasant, but very brief, sensation in the throat.
A laryngoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will use a light and mirror to examine how your vocal cords move. Your doctor may also insert a small, thin cable with a camera into your nose or mouth to get a better visual of your vocal cords while you speak. A biopsy. If your doctor suspects that you have precancerous or cancerous cells, she might perform a biopsy of your vocal cords. She will remove a sample of cells from the suspicious area and examine them under a microscope to determine whether they are healthy or unhealthy cells. A chest X-ray. This is most commonly done for children who have severe laryngitis symptoms. A chest X-ray can help determine whether there is any concerning swelling or blockages.
Rest your voice. Avoid loud talking or singing until your laryngitis has resolved. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Do not whisper. Whispering is harsher on your vocal cords than regular talking. Speak softly, but resist the urge to whisper. [21] X Research source Do not clear your throat. Even when your throat feels dry, full, or scratchy, resist the urge to clear it. That just puts more pressure on your vocal cords. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Stay hydrated. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal tea. This will also help lubricate and soothe your sore throat. [23] X Research source Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Inject moisture into the air in order to ease your symptoms and help your vocal cords to repair themselves. Using a humidifier or vaporizer overnight while you sleep is an excellent step to take. You can also take frequent hot showers in order to breathe in the steam. [24] X Research source Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is acidic and puts unneeded pressure on vocal cords. Stay away from alcoholic beverages while you are experiencing laryngitis. Reducing your alcohol intake can also help prevent future bouts of laryngitis. Avoid decongestants. Decongestants can help when you have a wet cough caused by a cold. However, they exacerbate the dry cough characteristic of laryngitis. Never take a decongestant if you suspect you have laryngitis. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the leading causes of chronic laryngitis, and it can lead to much more serious conditions such as throat cancer. Quit smoking as soon as you can in order to prevent vocal cord damage. Soothe your throat. Herbal teas, honey, salt water gargles, and throat lozenges are all excellent ways to soothe a throat that is sore due to laryngitis. Seek acid reflux treatment. If your laryngitis is caused by acid reflux, your doctor will likely provide dietary recommendations and medications to ease your symptoms. For example, you should eat smaller meals, avoid eating before bedtime, and avoid acidic foods and beverages such as alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes or coffee. Take voice lessons. If you need your voice for your profession, you may be able to take lessons in order to learn how to use your voice properly. Many singers, for example, require lessons in order to learn how to project their voices without putting undue strain on their vocal cords. Take prescription medication. If your laryngitis is caused by bacteria, you might require antibiotics. If your vocal cords are severely swollen in a way that impacts your ability to eat or breathe, you might require steroids to reduce the inflammation. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
