Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an irritation and swelling of the voice box and the tissues of the throat around it.

Symptoms of laryngitis may include:

• Severe throat pain
• Hoarse voice
• No voice at all
• Fever

Causes of Laryngitis

Laryngitis is usually caused by a virus or by bacteria. Smokers, allergy sufferers and people who use their voices professionally may also suffer from laryngitis.

Evaluation and Treatment

1. Your doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination. Your doctor will examine your throat carefully and may take a culture of the back of your throat.
2. Antibiotics are prescribed for streptococcal or other bacterial infections and usually must be taken for at least 10 days. However, no antibiotics are indicated for viral infections.
3. Your doctor may recommend Tylenol^TM or other nonprescription pain-relieving and fever-reducing medications to relieve discomfort.
4. Patients have reported that following these directions eases the discomfort associated with laryngitis:
   • Gargling with a salt-water solution several times a day may relieve sore throat.
   • Do not use your voice for several days. Either speak very softly or write notes until you can talk normally.
   • Use a cool-mist humidifier (vaporizer) in your room while you sleep to help relieve the tight feeling in your throat. Hot, steamy showers can also help.