Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Common symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Cough
Laryngitis can be acute (temporary and resolves within 1-2 weeks) or chronic (if it last for several weeks to months). Common causes of laryngitis include:
Acute
- Viral cold/flu
- Voice abuse
- Acute sinusitis
Chronic
- Chronic sinusitis
- Acid reflux from the stomach to the voicebox region
- Voice abuse (e.g. in teachers, singers etc)
- Smoking and alcohol abuse
- Cancer of the voice box
The treatment of laryngitis depends on the underlying cause. If your laryngitis is persistent after your cold/flu resolves or is chronic, you should consult an ENT Specialist for an assessment.
