Laryngitis

Very low urgency
Common-

Inflammation of the upper airway and vocal folds, which produces a partial obstruction of the air pathway during breathing.

Usually due to a viral infection during cold periods of the year, even though some bacterial infection cases have been described.

It manifests as a cold with voice changes and hoarseness. Other associated symptoms are: mucosity, nasal congestion, coughing and pharyngitis.

The diagnosis is reached clinically through the patient's history and a physical examination.

The applied treatment is the correct humidification of the upper air pathway and vocal folds rest.

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 38 ºC)
Cyanosis, bluish colour of lips and/or nails
Difficulty thinking clearly

Self-care

Reduce tobacco consumption.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Inhale steam to keep the throat moist twice a day.
Consume expectorants and mucolytics.