Categories

Laryngitis – Signs & Symptoms

Overview

Laryngitis is responsible for the characteristic hoarseness of the voice. This condition is caused by the inflammation of the larynx. The larynx is known as the voice box responsible for producing sounds and vocalization. This voice box can become inflamed when it is infected or when it comes in contact with an irritant. Excessive use of your vocal cords in singing or shouting can cause it to be inflamed giving you a hoarse voice.

The ability to make speech or sound is through this larynx. It’s a triangular structure that contains two long whitish membranes. These membranes open and close and in the process, they generate sound. However, when you have laryngitis, this mechanism becomes faulty. Because the larynx is inflamed, it does not move and vibrate as it ought to. Therefore, the sound produced by the larynx is distorted causing hoarseness. Your larynx can become very inflamed that no sound is produced when you try to talk.

Laryngitis can be present for a short time or may last for a long while. This condition is commonly caused by a viral infection that resolves easily. However, if laryngitis continues to occur, a more serious underlying condition may be the reason.

Sometimes, the symptoms[1] of laryngitis last for several weeks. But more commonly, laryngitis is self-limiting and so lasts for a few days. Some of the symptoms include: