Warning Signs Of Laryngitis

Laryngitis sounds like a severe illness, but many individuals may have already had a few times without even knowing. It is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. If an individual has ever had an aching throat and neck and lost their voice while they were sick, laryngitis could likely have been the reason. Most individuals contract acute laryngitis, which means the illness typically resolves in a few days or weeks. Prolonged symptoms and recurring inflammation could be diagnosed as chronic laryngitis. A doctor can identify the underlying cause of chronic laryngitis and devise a treatment plan to resolve symptoms. Laryngitis can be brought on by a common cold or respiratory illness, irritants such as smoke or allergens or acid reflux. Persistent symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, so it's important to be aware of the signs and find out how to treat them.

Sore Throat

A sore throat is one of the telltale symptoms of laryngitis. Patients report not only soreness, but also pain while swallowing and a hoarse voice when dealing with laryngitis. Talking may be painful, and patients are encouraged to rest their vocal cords as much as possible to prevent further irritation. If individuals experience difficulty swallowing or severe throat problems that interfere with their ability to speak or breathe, they should see a doctor immediately.

There are several proven home remedies for a sore throat. For starters, patients should consider taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Drink herbal teas like ginger and lemon with raw honey, as the honey can coat the throat and soothe inflammation. Gargle with lukewarm salt water a few times a day flush out bacteria.

Continue reading to learn about more warning signs of laryngitis.

Runny Nose

A runny nose is a common side-effect of many upper respiratory infections, including laryngitis. Nasal congestion typically doesn't last for more than ten days, and while it's one of the more annoying symptoms of an illness, it's thankfully one of the easiest to treat. Patients can stop a runny nose with plenty of fluids, which helps thin mucus and speeds up movement. Hot tea, a humidifier, and a hot compress laid gently over the sinus region can soften the mucous membranes of the nose. Flushing the nose with a saline solution or using over-the-counter nose drops can also help alleviate the runny, stuffy feeling and make it easier to breathe.

Continue reading for more on how to detect laryngitis.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are a major part of the body's immune system, and it's common for lymph glands to swell around the site of an infection. For laryngitis patients, swollen lymph nodes in the neck accompanied with tenderness and a sense of fullness in the throat are typical.

While swollen lymph nodes may just be related to the illness, it's important to note laryngitis can also occur in conjunction with more severe illnesses, such as tonsillitis and the flu. If you have swollen lymph glands, high temperature, dry cough, and other symptoms that fit both laryngitis and other viral infections or illnesses, it's essential to monitor their progression and intensity over several days. Patients should see a doctor if they do not notice any improvement or symptoms worsen within a week.

Continue to reveal more symptoms of laryngitis.

Dry Cough

A dry cough and constant itch in the throat brought on by laryngitis can be due to mucus running down the back of the throat and nasal tract irritation. A productive cough clears away irritants through phlegm or mucus, but an unproductive cough just irritates the throat and doesn't alleviate any symptoms. Coughing and soreness typically resolve along with laryngitis within a week. During this week, patients should make sure to drink plenty of fluids to aid the movement of mucus throughout the upper respiratory tract. Drinking hot teas with raw honey have been proven to soothe the throat and subdue coughs.

Keep reading for more on what symptoms of laryngitis to watch out for.

Fever

The brain's hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, and when individuals get sick with an illness or infection like laryngitis, it's not uncommon for their body's temperature to rise in response. This is because a fever is one of the immune system's most natural defenses. Medical studies revealed elevated body temperature could speed up the performance of certain immune cells, leading to faster healing.

Most of us know a fever is a response to some other medical problem; usually, taking the appropriate over-the-counter medication can make us feel better. However, an extremely high temperature can indicate a medical emergency, so patients should routinely check their temperature when sick. The average temperature for an adult is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Individuals should seek emergency medical care if their temperature hits or exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Read more about the major symptoms linked to laryngitis now.

Loss Of Voice

Patients with laryngitis could develop vocal changes, including a hoarse or weak voice and loss of voice. They could be unable to speak at anything above a whisper, and it may take more effort than usual to speak. Patients could even find they need to communicate by writing instead of speaking. Vocal changes tend to worsen in severity with each day of the illness, and they may persist for up to a week after other symptoms have resolved. Since a loss of voice may be a sign of a more serious medical issue, patients with this symptom should see a doctor as soon as possible. The physician will want to know how long the symptom has persisted and if anything makes it better or worse. The doctor will need to examine the patient's mouth and throat, and tests such as a laryngoscopy may be recommended. Some individuals might be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. To make speaking easier, it can help to drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier in the home. Gargling salt water and sucking on lozenges could be soothing as well. In some cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. This is usually only done if the patient has an urgent need to use their voice to give a speech or sing.

Uncover more information on the warning signs of laryngitis now.

Headache

Patients who have laryngitis associated with conditions such as the flu, common cold, and pharyngitis could experience a headache. The pain may be felt on one or both sides of the head, and it could also occur at the front of the head. For most patients with laryngitis, headache pain is usually mild and tends to feel dull. Headaches typically improve with rest, and it can help to avoid loud noises and bright lights. Patients may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and they should check with their healthcare provider before doing so, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individuals should make an appointment with their doctor if their headache does not go away with rest or if it lasts for more than twenty-four hours. Immediate medical care is necessary in cases where a headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, or a high fever.

Learn more about the symptoms linked to laryngitis now.

Pain When Swallowing

Pain while swallowing is most likely to occur in cases where laryngitis is linked to a throat infection, the flu, or common cold. Patients could find their throat feels raw, and it may be difficult to eat or drink. To ease pain when swallowing, patients may wish to try sucking on cough lozenges or using an anesthetic spray. Individuals with underlying conditions and those who take medication should always ask a doctor or a pharmacist before using these over-the-counter remedies. Gargling with salt water can soothe the throat, and drinking hot beverages is often recommended as well. Patients who have difficulty swallowing should see their doctor for an examination. The doctor will ask questions about when this symptom began and if anything makes it better or worse. Next, they will examine the patient's mouth and throat, and some patients may need to have a laryngoscopy. If painful swallowing occurs together with breathing difficulties, increasing pain, or blood in phlegm, the patient should seek immediate medical care.

Discover additional warning signs of laryngitis now.

Constant Urge To Clear Throat

Individuals with all types of laryngitis may notice they feel a constant urge to clear their throat. This can feel like a tickling or pricking sensation in the throat, and some patients describe it as a feeling of scratchiness or rawness. The throat itself may feel very sore and dry, and the patient could have a dry cough. This symptom may make it difficult to attend social events, and it could also cause difficulties with eating. In most cases, the constant urge to clear the throat will resolve on its own within two weeks. To ease the discomfort of this symptom, patients may wish to try using a humidifier in the home, and it can help to have soup or hot beverages. When clearing the throat, patients should examine their phlegm to ensure it does not contain blood. Moistening the throat by chewing gum could help, and it is important to avoid alcohol and caffeine. In addition, doctors advise avoiding decongestants because these can dry out the throat.

Reveal another symptom of laryngitis now.

Full Feeling In The Throat

A full feeling in the throat is one of the earliest symptoms of laryngitis, and it occurs most often in cases where laryngitis is not associated with a cold or another type of infection. The fullness in the throat can cause minor discomfort, and it may be especially irritating while the patient is trying to eat, drink, or speak. Patients with this symptom may want to keep a journal to record whether the sensation of fullness worsens, and it can be helpful to note any foods and drinks that have been consumed as well. Since fullness in the throat could be a sign of an underlying condition, patients should see a doctor if this symptom persists for more than two weeks, or if it gets worse.