Description
* Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords causing speech to become hoarse and/or whisperlike, and often inaudible.
Symptoms
* Hoarseness
* Whisperlike voice or loss of voice
Cause
* Viruses -- Influenza A and B, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rhinovirus are some of the viruses that may cause this condition.
* Bacteria such as Hemophilus influenzae, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and
Moraxella catarrhalis
* Inhalation of smoke, chemicals, and excessive use of voice
* Acid Reflux
* Allergies
* Aging
How the Diagnosis Is Made
* Throat check for pharyngitis (infection)
* Neck checked for stridor (wheezing sound heard by stethoscope)
Treatment
* Avoid loud speech, such as shouting or singing
* Humidifiers (cool mist better) and steam (cool to warm, not hot) can help.
* Avoid smoking, recreational drugs, and alcohol
* Increase fluids
* If severe, physicians will often instruct a person not to speak at all for the next few days.
* If Hemophilus influenza or Moxarella catarrhalis are suspected, antibiotics will most likely be prescribed.
* Symptoms usually resolve in fewer than seven days in most individuals.
Similiar Conditions
* Gastroesophageal Reflux
* Vocal Cord Tumors
* Epiglottitis
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