Our vocal cords are located in the larynx, also called the voice box, and the larynx may become inflamed at times due to infection or too much usage; this is called laryngitis. The inflammation warps the sounds normally made and your voice comes out sounding hoarse. Some people completely lose their voice. Laryngitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, vocal strain, exposure to irritants, and acid reflux, among other things.
The short term or acute kind can be caused by straining the vocal cords, infections, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Treatment of the cause will cure the laryngitis. The long term or chronic kind isn’t cured so easily, and the effects are felt for a longer period of time. The chronic form can be caused by frequent or long term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke and harmful chemicals or allergens. It can also result from acid reflux, recurrent sinus infections, and vocal strain. The majority of cases are caused by a minor infection, with syptoms lasting a couple of weeks. The signs of the illness can include hoarseness, weak voice, no voice, sore throat, dry throat, dry cough, and a tickling sensation in the throat.
1. Chronic cough
A chronic cough can be one of the causes of laryngitis and also a lingering symptom of it as well. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract is one of the main causes of occurrences of the illness, as well as irritation of the vocal cords caused by trauma from too much coughing. Smoking cigarettes, tuberculosis, and allergies, which all can bring about damage to the larynx, may also cause excessive coughing. Hoarseness is one of the most common symptoms of laryngitis, and most of the illnesses that bring about hoarseness, can also produce a chronic cough. Chronic cough is reported to be more severe during night-time hours. Esophageal reflux disease can cause reflux laryngitis along with a chronic cough. The continual contact of the acid onto the vocal cords, inflaming and irritating them, eventually causes damage and sometimes a persistent cough.
2. Dry Cough
A persistent dry cough can be both a symptom and one of the causes of laryngitis. As viral infections are usually the main underlying cause of the illness, coughing comes along with the list of typical signs. You may start out with a sore throat or cold, which then leads to a dry, hacking cough. All this coughing can inflame your voice box or vocal cords, which is how laryngitis occurs. On the other hand, when you are diagnosed with laryngitis, a dry cough may be one of the results of the infectious bacteria, and it can sometimes remain with you long after a diagnosis.
3. Fever
If you are running a fever after being diagnosed with laryngitis, you should see your doctor for treatment, and to get examined for possibly having a more serious illness. If your throat is hoarse for more than ten days with a high temperature and other symptoms, you may have the chronic of the illness. A high temperature with a sore throat, along with symptoms like coughing up blood or not being able to drink liquids should be addressed as soon as possible. Symptoms that don’t clear up are another indication that your laryngitis is being caused by more than just a simple virus. Children and babies are prone to contracting croup, a viral infection of the larynx and trachea. A fever and swollen vocal chords are among the symptoms of croup.
4. Malaise
Some illnesses can sap the energy of even the fittest among us. As we are experiencing the various symptoms of viral infections, our body is in battle mode, trying to fight off the invading germs and bacteria. So it’s no wonder those suffering from these illnesses will feel completely exhausted and out of sorts. Laryngitis is no different. Most cases are caused by viral infections, so you will sometimes feel like you’re experiencing a bad case of the flu. Your symptoms may keep you up at night, so you won’t get the needed rest. Sometimes the infection can spread to other areas of the respiratory tract, compounding the problem.
5. Congestion
Congestion is a common symptom of viral infections of the respiratory system. The nasal and chest areas get clogged up with the excess mucus and phlegm, that builds up throughout the course of the infection.
Congestion is a symptom of both acute and chronic laryngitis. The main causes of acute laryngitis are viral infections that produce cold and flu symptoms that lead to clogged up airways. Among the causes of long term or chronic laryngitis are irritants in the environment such as chemical fumes and smoke, and illnesses such as chronic sinusitis and bronchitis. Smoking cigarettes is another irritant included in the causes. All of these cause some degree of congestion.
6. Hoarse voice
Laryngitis causes your voice to become hoarse, and sometimes you will completely lose it. The majority of cases are acute and caused by contracting a viral infection. The voice box and vocal cords become inflamed and this leads to hoarseness. Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks means your laryngitis is chronic. In addition, continuous hoarseness could mean a more serious condition is the cause of your laryngitis. You should rest your voice during this time and drink lots of fluids. If you continue to use your voice to the point of straining it, you could damage your vocal cords.
7. Phlegm, sleeping difficulty
Since laryngitis can be caused by viral infections that normally result in flu-like symptoms, you may experience a broad range of effects. Phlegm might be produced by your respiratory system and lungs in response. This thick substance may cause a stuffy nose and congestion in general. Along with all the other symptoms that will occur, you may have some sleepless nights. Mucus and phlegm may accumulate in your airways, affecting breathing and necessitating frequent noseblowing or clearing of your throat. You may cough up a lot of it in the process. Even if you’re able to get sleep, it may be interrupted frequently, leaving you feeling even more exhausted.
8. Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes may be one of the symptoms of laryngitis if it’s caused by an infection. The common symptoms of a viral infection like the flu include swollen glands, a high fever, and other flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headache, diarrhea, sore throat, and coughing. Lymph nodes will sometimes swell in one or more locations when you have an infection or other issue, such as tumors and injuries. The locations of glands that are usually affected with swelling while you are going through a viral infection, are behind the ears, on the sides of the neck, or beneath the jaw.
