Laryngitis...What You Need to Know
September 15, 2019
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Laryngitis is an inflammation or swelling of the larynx (voicebox) from overuse, irritation, or infection; the most common cause is a viral infection (think: cold, flu, bronchitis, upper respiratory infection, etc.). HELLO SEASON CHANGE…HAPPY FALL! Laryngitis is actually very common, spreads easily, & can be acute (lasting a short time) or chronic (ongoing). The most obvious symptoms are dysphonia (hoarseness) & even aphonia (loss of voice).
Acute laryngitis should resolve on its own with the management of the virus likely causing it, & it’s a good idea to reduce & monitor your voice use during this time of healing (rest your voice!). Reduce your volume & reduce the time you speak overall (if you must talk for work etc.), and if you need to speak to large groups, make sure you use some type of amplification. The vocal folds (VFs) are likely very irritated/inflamed & will not vibrate efficiently; therefore, voice use may cause further irritation to the VF tissues & possibly even cause you to use muscle tension for voice production since the VF vibration will likely be significantly impaired. Repeated over time these muscular patterns can become habituated into muscle memory, so it’s a good idea to not even let there be a chance of this happening. Be proactive by advocating for your voice at work, in social settings, & at home. Other tips include increased hydration: WATER water water, LOTS of fluids (but avoid caffeine & alcohol), steam inhalation, humidification, & ultrasonic nebulizer use with 0.9% isotonic saline solution. Also be sure to STOP any throat clearing or coughing behaviors (as these will further irritate the already inflamed VF tissues) & consider using throat lozenges (non-mentholated) or hard candies to stimulate saliva swallowing & reduce the urge to throat clear/cough.
If the laryngitis is chronic, treatment is aimed at targeting the underlying condition which may include inefficient vocal use patterns, reflux, smoking, alcohol use, work-related voice use, excessive vocal demand, chronic cough, and/or too high of a vocal dose respective to vocal nap (recovery) time. Consider voice therapy—it works!
If your laryngitis lasts longer than two weeks, it’s a good idea to get “scoped” by a medical professional who specializes in voice. Season change is unfortunately a time where virus exposure is high—so as the leaves turn, make sure you amp up your immunity & PROTECT those vocal folds…& if you notice the first signs of laryngitis, be sure to recognize & respond right away!
