What Causes Laryngitis?

Stroke

The larynx is a complex structure made of numerous different muscles and tissues that serves several functions. These functions are controlled by the nerves and central nervous system via impulses sent to and from the brain. A stroke is an event where a part of the brain becomes deprived of its blood supply and becomes damaged. One of the most common symptoms of a stroke is the paralyzation or functional impairment of muscles around the body. When the part of the brain that controls the movement and actions of the laryngeal components becomes damaged due to stroke-precipitated ischemia, the patient can develop laryngitis. When the larynx is not functioning properly, it cannot protect the airways and prevent the development of infections in the sinuses, lungs, and throat that can cause laryngitis. The impaired larynx is also unable to prevent the patient's airways from general irritants that can produce inflammation in the vocal folds or laryngitis.

Read more about the various causes of laryngitis now.

Cancer

Depending on the type of cancer, both infective laryngitis and non-infective laryngitis can develop as a result of several direct and indirect mechanisms. Cancer that directly affects the regions that house the vocal folds can invade and damage the tissues making up the larynx. Inflammatory laryngitis develops when the immune system responds to this cellular damage. Cancer that develops in another part of the throat, airways, or lungs can provide an ample opportunity for foreign particles or pathogens to become trapped in the respiratory tract. When foreign particles or pathogens begin damaging and destroying cells in the lungs, throat, airways, or sinuses, the immune system is summoned to the site to help eliminate the infection. Infective laryngitis that develops in this fashion is simply an infection that is secondary to a primary infection caused by the mechanical obstruction or dysfunction of the respiratory structures.

Individuals concerned about if they could have laryngitis should seek medical attention for a proper assessment and to receive the right treatment as soon as possible.