Laryngitis is known as an inflammation of the larynx - the voice box which contains the vocal cords. Generally, laryngitis has two forms: acute laryngitis and chronic laryngitis.
Acute laryngitis stems from a brief illness which is capable of producing hoarseness and a sore throat; while chronic laryngitis illustrates a more persistent disorder that also produces hoarseness, but is also accompanied with other (and sometimes, drastic) negative voice changes. Symptoms The most common symptom which indicates chronic laryngitis is hoarseness. For this condition to be indicated as “chronic”, consistent hoarseness must persist for around two weeks. Depending on the initial cause and the level of severity, other symptoms of laryngitis may include: A low raspy voice
A chronic cough Diagnosis Medical professionals commonly diagnose laryngitis by conducting a physical examination that assesses the ears, nose, throat and (of course) the voice. In most cases, no additional testing is required. During diagnosis, the physicians and/or voice specialists may also ask questions about the sufferer’s lifestyle, potential exposure to airborne irritants, and other related diseases. If a person possesses chronic hoarseness, the physician may recommend additional testing to fully examine the vocal cords. Anyone with all of the above-mentioned symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks should immediately consult a voice specialist. In certain conditions where advanced complications/problems are present, a physician may refer the laryngitis sufferer to an otolaryngologist - also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. On the other hand, the physician, or even the ENT, may refer the laryngitis sufferer to an alternative voice repair specialist.
Treatment If your chronic laryngitis is caused by smoking, alcohol use or work-related exposures, you will be recommended to adapt some changes in your lifestyle and will be advised to follow the standard prevention guidelines. In addition, alternative voice therapy is one of the best forms of treatment for chronic laryngitis. This type of therapy teaches you how to use your voice correctly and how to avoid speaking (or singing, for that matter) in ways that might injure your vocal cords.
When to consult a professional Hoarseness that does not go away or keeps coming back after a few weeks should never be ignored because it can be a symptom of severe diseases - even those like head and neck cancers. People who drink or smoke heavily are evidently more at risk. So, if your hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor and/or an alternative voice repair specialist.
Acute laryngitis stems from a brief illness which is capable of producing hoarseness and a sore throat; while chronic laryngitis illustrates a more persistent disorder that also produces hoarseness, but is also accompanied with other (and sometimes, drastic) negative voice changes. Symptoms The most common symptom which indicates chronic laryngitis is hoarseness. For this condition to be indicated as “chronic”, consistent hoarseness must persist for around two weeks. Depending on the initial cause and the level of severity, other symptoms of laryngitis may include: A low raspy voice
- A voice that easily breaks
- A lump-like feeling in the throat
- Heavy mucus in the throat
- A constant urge to clear the throat
- Discomfort during swallowing
A chronic cough Diagnosis Medical professionals commonly diagnose laryngitis by conducting a physical examination that assesses the ears, nose, throat and (of course) the voice. In most cases, no additional testing is required. During diagnosis, the physicians and/or voice specialists may also ask questions about the sufferer’s lifestyle, potential exposure to airborne irritants, and other related diseases. If a person possesses chronic hoarseness, the physician may recommend additional testing to fully examine the vocal cords. Anyone with all of the above-mentioned symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks should immediately consult a voice specialist. In certain conditions where advanced complications/problems are present, a physician may refer the laryngitis sufferer to an otolaryngologist - also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. On the other hand, the physician, or even the ENT, may refer the laryngitis sufferer to an alternative voice repair specialist.
Treatment If your chronic laryngitis is caused by smoking, alcohol use or work-related exposures, you will be recommended to adapt some changes in your lifestyle and will be advised to follow the standard prevention guidelines. In addition, alternative voice therapy is one of the best forms of treatment for chronic laryngitis. This type of therapy teaches you how to use your voice correctly and how to avoid speaking (or singing, for that matter) in ways that might injure your vocal cords.
When to consult a professional Hoarseness that does not go away or keeps coming back after a few weeks should never be ignored because it can be a symptom of severe diseases - even those like head and neck cancers. People who drink or smoke heavily are evidently more at risk. So, if your hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor and/or an alternative voice repair specialist.
