Laryngitis

The voice box (larynx) is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness. Sometimes, the airway can get blocked.

The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by:

• Allergies
• Bacterial infection
• Bronchitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Injury
• Irritants and chemicals

Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection, which is typically caused by a virus.

Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to a dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include:

• Croup
• Epiglottitis

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck

A physical exam can find whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.

People with hoarseness that lasts more than a month (especially smokers) should see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). An exam of the throat and upper airway will be done.

Laryngitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics likely will not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.

Resting your voice helps to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain medicines may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.

Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition often gets better on its own.

In rare cases, severe respiratory distress develops. This requires immediate medical attention.

Contact your provider if:

• A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling
• A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness
• Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult

To prevent getting laryngitis:

• Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
• Wash your hands often.
• Do not strain your voice.
• Stop smoking. This can help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which can lead to hoarseness.

Hoarseness - laryngitis

Allen CT, Nussenbaum B, Merati AL. Acute and chronic laryngopharyngitis. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 61.

Flint PW. Throat disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 401.

Rodrigues KK, Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 412.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.