Laryngitis is the inflammation of the organ that produces speech called the larynx [1] or the voice box. It results due to an infection or excessive usage of the organ. The larynx contains two vocal cords that open and close to form sounds when air is passed from the lungs to the exterior. This passage of air leads to the vibration of these cords and this vibration produces sounds. In laryngitis, the vocal cords are inflamed and this affects the quality of sound produced by the cord. The sound produced by an inflamed larynx is usually hoarse and sometimes might not be heard. It is not a serious condition as it can easily be treated. However, there are chronic forms of this condition that may signify a serious underlying disease.
Causes of Laryngitis
There are two different forms of laryngitis and are caused by different agents. They include acute and chronic laryngitis.