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Laryngitis: definition, symptoms, when to see a doctor?

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords. This inflammation is most often viral in origin (caused by a virus). Symptoms usually include a hoarse throat and loss of voice. Diagnosing this condition is generally fairly straightforward given the symptoms and changes in the voice. Laryngitis is not a major health risk, even though the symptoms can be troublesome. It also affects children more often. Treatment mainly involves resting the voice and avoiding any substances that irritate the throat and larynx.

What causes laryngitis?

Generally, the most common cause of short-lived (acute, lasting less than 3 weeks) laryngitis is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as during a cold (rhinopharyngitis). Laryngitis may also occur alongside another inflammation or infection of the upper airways, such as bronchitis. Several triggers can cause acute (short-lived) or persistent (chronic) laryngitis:
   • Allergies;
   • Excessive use of the voice;
   • Inhaling certain irritant substances (cigarette smoke, for example);
   • Or inhaling certain medications.
Bacterial laryngitis is very rare. When chronic, laryngitis symptoms can last more than 3 weeks and sometimes lead to gastro-oesophageal reflux or chronic bronchitis. People with bulimia who vomit frequently are at higher risk of developing laryngitis. As for coughing, it can be caused by bronchitis, flu, Covid, measles, whooping cough or diphtheria.

Symptoms and diagnosis of laryngitis

Laryngitis symptoms start only a few hours or around a day after the infection. They include:
   • An unnatural change in the voice;
   • A hoarse voice;
   • A reduction in the volume of the voice;
   • Sometimes complete loss of voice.
The throat is usually also irritated, and people often feel the urge to clear their throat. Other symptoms depend on the severity of the inflammation. With more serious infections, they may include:
   • A feeling of being unwell;
   • Fever;
   • Difficulty swallowing;
   • Difficulty breathing;
   • A sore throat.
When necessary, diagnosis is based on clinical examination, a direct examination with an observation probe or a mirror. Cancer may sometimes be suspected and requires further tests. In the case of chronic laryngitis, the GP may use a fibrescope to examine the lower part of the throat. This allows redness in the throat to be observed, and sometimes swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx. As laryngeal cancer can cause a hoarse voice, anyone with hoarseness or a voice disorder lasting several weeks should be examined to rule out this risk.

How is laryngitis treated?

Treatment for laryngitis is based on 2 elements:
   • Resting the voice, rehydration, cough suppressants;
   • Treating the underlying causes.
In the case of viral laryngitis, treatment depends on the symptoms. It is advisable to rest the voice (avoiding talking), use cough suppressants (such as cough syrup) to relieve discomfort, drink plenty of water and inhale moist steam. Treating bronchitis, if present, and stopping smoking can help recovery and ease laryngitis. If you have a runny nose, a nasal spray or decongestant can also be used. Antibiotics are not recommended, even in the case of a bacterial infection. Depending on the cause, certain specific treatments can reduce gastric reflux and bulimia. When medication is responsible for the laryngitis, the treatment should be adjusted by a doctor.

Consult a GP online

Laryngitis, characterised by inflammation of the larynx, is generally caused by overuse of the voice or by a virus. It causes an acute change in the voice (hoarseness) and a reduction in its volume. Other symptoms can be a nuisance in daily life and may require treatment:
   • A sore throat;
   • Fever;
   • Difficulty swallowing;
   • Or a feeling of being unwell.
Treatment involves resting the voice properly, using cough suppressants and staying well hydrated, whether in adults or children. Laryngitis is also often accompanied by other infections, so it is important to consult a doctor to rule out another infectious risk. In addition, prompt care offers a better chance of quick recovery. For further advice, a diagnosis, a prescription or treatment, you can consult a GP in just a few minutes, during an online consultation. Don't let the symptoms linger; a respiratory disorder can lead to complications if it is not properly treated.