What Causes Laryngitis?

"Losing your voice" to laryngitis is rarely a serious problem, but it can still be inconvenient and annoying. Laryngitis is a result of swelling in the larynx, or voice box -- particularly of the vocal chords, which vibrate to produce an individual's voice. If the vocal chords become inflamed, they can no longer vibrate normally, and an individual's voice becomes hoarse, high-pitched, or distorted. In severe cases, the chords are so swollen they can't move at all, leaving someone unable to speak. Depending on the cause, laryngitis can be accompanied by soreness or dryness of the throat, coughing, and possibly fever. Laryngitis usually clears up within a week or two with proper treatment for the underlying cause.

Here are the primary causes of laryngitis.

Viral Infections

Viruses are the most common cause of laryngitis, usually as a side effect of a more serious viral infection, such as a cold, bronchitis, the flu, or a respiratory tract infection. With this type of laryngitis, viruses invade the tissues of the throat, causing swelling as the body tries to expel them. This type of laryngitis is often accompanied by cold- or flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, fever, and a sore throat. Viral infections are not very contagious and usually clear up within a week, so there is rarely a need to contact a doctor unless symptoms worsen.

Continue reading to learn about another type of infection that can cause laryngitis.

Bacterial Infections

Infections and swelling causing laryngitis can also be a result of bacteria, such as those that cause respiratory infections, like diphtheria, strep throat, or pneumonia. These serious bacterial infections are less frequent in a majority of countries as individuals are regularly vaccinated against them. Bacterial laryngitis is much more contagious than the viral kind and is generally associated with more severe symptoms, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, cough, headache, and swollen glands. Bacterial infections are best treated by a doctor and usually respond well to antibiotics. If individuals are not sure if their infection is viral or bacterial, it's best to let a doctor make the determination. If a patient's laryngitis is severe enough that they have difficulty swallowing or breathing, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Keep reading to learn how an individual's voice can cause this infection to occur.