Introduction
The
Larynx or voice box. It is the source of your voice. Inside
your larynx are two bands of muscles called vocal cords, or
vocal folds. Everytime you breathe, your vocal cords are relaxed
and open so that you can get air into and out of your lungs.
But
when you decide to say something, these cords come together.
Now the air from your lungs has to pass through a smaller space.
This causes your vocal cords to vibrate. The sound from these
vibrations goes up your throat and comes out your mouth.
Causes Of Laryngitis
When
your cords become inflamed and swollen, they can not work properly.
Your voice may sound hoarse. This is called laryngitis
Laryngitis
often comes from too much yelling and screaming. Even a lot
of loud singing can irritate the vocal cords and cause laryngitis.
Although
it sounds odd, sometimes your stomach can cause laryngitis.
Just like you have a tube for air to go into and out of your
lungs, you have a tube for food to go into your stomach. Sometimes
the stomach acid that helps break down that food comes back
up your swallowing tube. The acid can irritate your vocal cords.
Allergies
or smoking can also irritate your vocal cords. Infections from
germs are a very common cause of laryngitis. Sometimes bacteria
can infect the vocal cords, but most of the time it is viruses.
Over time, people who yell all the time may develop nodules,
or little bumps, on their vocal cords. This can make the voice
hoarse, rough, and deeper than usual.
Symptoms
A
horsy or raspy voice is the main symptom or sign of laryngitis.
You may also have no voice at all or maybe just little squeaks
come out when you try to talk. You may need to cough to clear
your throat, or you may feel a tickle deep in your throat. These
are all signs that you may have laryngitis. You may have this
strange voice for a few days, but if you have it longer, you
probably will have to go to the doctor.
Doctor's Diagnosis
Doctors
can diagnose laryngitis just from the changes in your voice,
and knowing that you have had a cold or have been yelling too
much. But sometimes the doctor might think you need to see an
ENT specialist – a doctor that specializes in diseases
of the ears, nose, and throat. This doctor can look into your
throat using a special mirror. The mirror is angled so that
when the doctor puts it in your mouth, he or she can look down
into your larynx. Sometimes doctors use a tiny tube with an
even tinier camera that goes through your nose or mouth.
Treatment
How
the doctor treats your laryngitis depends on why you have it.
-
If the laryngitis is from a viral infection, the doctor
will recommend lots of fluids and resting your voice by
talking as little as possible.
-
If
your laryngitis is from too much yelling, you will have
to be more careful with your voice.
-
If
stomach acid is causing your laryngitis, the doctor will
talk to you about medication. You may have to change your
diet and give up some foods that make the problem worse.
Prevention
To
prevent laryngitis, try not to talk or yell in a way that hurts
your voice. A humidifier that puts more water into the air may
also help keep your throat from drying out. Also, never smoke
and try not to be around people who are smoking.
