Acute Laryngitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Acute Laryngitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Article
Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT)
Focused Health Topics
+4
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+3 moreJun 13, 2023

Introduction:

Acute laryngitis is a temporary inflammation of the larynx or voice box, which can cause hoarseness or loss of voice. The condition is usually caused by a viral infection, but can also be triggered by environmental irritants or overuse of the voice. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for acute laryngitis.

Causes of Acute Laryngitis:

The most common cause of acute laryngitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Other causes may include:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Environmental irritants, such as smoke or pollution
  • Overuse or strain on the vocal cords
  • Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Allergies or sinusitis

Symptoms of Acute Laryngitis:

The symptoms of acute laryngitis may include:

  • Hoarseness or loss of voice
  • Sore throat or cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dry or sore throat
  • Weakness or fatigue

In some cases, acute laryngitis may be accompanied by fever, chills, or body aches.

Treatment of Acute Laryngitis:

The treatment of acute laryngitis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment may include:

  • Resting the voice and avoiding overuse
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist
  • Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
  • Avoiding irritants, such as smoke or pollution
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Treating any underlying conditions, such as GERD or allergies

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause of acute laryngitis is bacterial in nature.

Conclusion:

Acute laryngitis is a temporary inflammation of the larynx or voice box, which can cause hoarseness or loss of voice. The condition is usually caused by a viral infection, but can also be triggered by environmental irritants or overuse of the voice. Treatment may include resting the voice, drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, avoiding irritants, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Hashtags: #AcuteLaryngitis #VoiceHealth #Inflammation #Healthcare #Wellness

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff
Kyran Hines picture
Author

Kyran Hines

Editorial Staff

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