Laryngitis and Hoarseness
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is defined as an inflammation of the voice box (larynx). Allergies, bacterial infections, and viruses often cause laryngitis. Though laryngitis can go away on its own, chronic laryngitis may require professional attention, and even surgery.
Frequent laryngitis, vocal fold paralysis (also known as vocal cord paralysis), presbylaryngeus (the “bowed,” or “aging” voice), and polyps, nodules, cysts, and granulomas can cause a variety of symptoms that affect the voice, with hoarseness being the most common symptom of all voice problems.
Frequent sore throats (as a result of normal speaking), chronic coughs, and repeated throat clearing are the most common symptoms of voice disorders. Our ear, nose, and throat doctors treat these conditions using a number of different behavioral, pharmaceutical, surgical, and medical management option, depending on the results of your diagnosis and evaluation.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of laryngitis, please call our practice today. Offering effective and comprehensive service is just one important aspect of our patient-centered approach to ear, nose, and throat care.
Hoarseness
Your voice is an often-overlooked part of your identity—it’s just a part of who you are, so when unexpected changes in your voice occur, it can be alarming.
One of the most common changes in the voice is called hoarseness. A hoarse voice is usually caused by a condition in the larynx. Though they usually do not last for long periods of time, any hoarseness of the voice that lasts for longer than two weeks could be indicative of a more serious condition.
Hoarseness can take on many different meanings when describing the changes in the voice, some of which include:
- Rasping
- Cracking
- Vocal strain
- Changes in pitch or volume
- Breathiness
Causes of Hoarseness
Hoarseness can be caused by several conditions. Here is a list of the most common sources of hoarseness.
- Sinus infections
- Common colds
- Allergies
- Smoking
- Strained vocal cords
- Acid reflux
- Trauma
- Many, many more
If your hoarseness has lasted for longer than two weeks, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should seek medical attention.
Your doctor will give you a physical examination and look at your throat and mouth with a laryngoscope. He or she may order a throat culture, blood test, x-rays, or a CT scan in order to make a proper diagnosis
Treatment of Hoarseness
Though hoarseness is generally temporary and will typically go away on its own (if caused by a viral infection), treatment for hoarseness varies depending on its cause.
At-home solutions for treating hoarseness
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest your voice
- Use a vaporizer or humidifier
- Avoid smoking
- Eliminate alcohol and caffeinated drinks from your diet
- Remove spicy foods from your diet
When to See a Doctor for Hoarseness
Are you experiencing hoarseness? Has it lasted for two weeks or more? If so, you may have a more serious condition. It’s important to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor to get a clearer understanding of the source of your hoarseness, so we can create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused when stomach acids leak into the esophagus. Heartburn, nausea, sore throats, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, and regurgitation can all be caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux is common and often treatable through a few simple changes in lifestyle.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can be caused by a number of things, many of them lifestyle-based.
- Cigarette and alcohol consumption
- Poor eating habits (including fried, fatty, acidic, and overly spicy foods)
- Caffeinated drinks
- Bad posture
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
Treating Reflux
Treating reflux can be as simple as making certain lifestyle changes, like avoiding foods and beverages that trigger reflux, quitting smoking, losing weight, and improving your posture
Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD)
A common idea is that heartburn is often caused by certain foods, and while this is true in some cases, consistent, painful heartburn as a daily occurrence could be indicative of a more serious issue. Gastroesophogeal reflux disease is a fairly common condition, with 10 to 20 percent of the population potentially affected by it. In most cases, heartburn can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes, but some may require medication or surgery.
In some cases, GERD can cause severe pain for as long as two hours, and is often worse after eating. Treatment usually consists of removal of foods, beverages, and smoking from the life of the affected individual. Certain foods, drinks, and habits can irritate or damage esophageal lining, such as:
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Tomato-based sauces and drinks
- Spicy foods and pepers
- Chocolates and other fatty foods
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Smoking
Antacids are also useful in neutralizing acid in the esophagus and stomach, but treatment of this condition should be unique to you as an individual. If you’re concerned about how painful or reoccurring your heartburn is, and you’ve tried cutting out consumption of products that might cause heartburn, consider calling us to make an appointment—we’ll do our best to care for your specific condition and find a solution to your ailment.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD)
Also known as “silent reflux” because of how difficult it can be to diagnose, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is similar to another acid reflux condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but differs symptomatically. In this case, the ring of muscles that line the esophagus and normally keep the contents of the stomach where they belong don’t work correctly, resulting in acid backed up into the throat. This can cause inflammation in areas that are not protected.
Silent reflux is common in infants, but it is unknown how many adults are afflicted by it. If you experience heartburn or a bitter taste/burning sensation in the back of the throat, try looking out for the following symptoms, which are also common:
- Excessive throat clearing
- Excessive coughing
- Hoarseness
- The sensation of a lump in the throat that doesn’t go away with swallowing
- Excess throat mucus
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Consistent sore throat
Long-term problems include potential scarring of the throat and voice box, and may further complicate conditions like asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. If you’ve been experiencing a combination of these symptoms, please see one of our Ear Nose & Throat specialists for a physical exam and testing, and let us help treat your unique condition.
