Laryngitis

Very low urgency
Common-

 

Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and vocal cords that causes partial obstruction of the passage of air during breathing.

It is usually caused by a viral infection during the cold season, although some cases of bacterial infection have been described.

It presents as a cold with voice changes and hoarseness. Mucus and nasal congestion, cough and pharyngitis are other associated symptoms. 

Diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination. 

Treatment is based on proper humidification of the upper airway and rest of the vocal cords.

Bibliographic references
  1. Jean M Bruch, DMD, MD, Dipti V Kamani, MD. Hoarseness in adults. UpToDate. Aug 22, 2016.
  2. Michael A. Rubbin, Larry C. Ford, Ralph Gonzales. Faringitis, otalgia y síntomas de la porción superior de las vías respiratorias. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19ª Edición. Página: 234.
  3. J.Mensa. Infecciones en otorrinolaringología. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. Página 2501.
  4. Schwartz SR, Cohen SM, Dailey SH, et al. Clinical practice guideline: hoarseness (dysphonia). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2009; 141:S1.
  5. Reveiz L, Cardona AF, Ospina EG. Antibiotics for acute laryngitis in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; :CD004783.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Hoarseness / loss of voice


    Irritation or inflammation of the throat


    Sore throat


    Dry cough


    Runny nose

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Cyanosis, bluish color of lips and/or nails
Difficulty thinking clearly

Self-care

Reduce tobacco consumption.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Inhale water vapor to keep the throat moist 2 times a day.
Take expectorants and mucolytics.