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What are the symptoms of laryngitis?
Hoarseness: The Most Common Patient Complaint
The most common symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness. Hoarseness is
usually a raspy or husky sound of the voice resulting from swelling
within the vocal fold. Swelling limits the normal vibratory movement of
the vocal fold during phonation, which causes the sound produced to be
less harmonic and raspier. (For more information, see Anatomy & Physiology of Voice Production.)
Swelling Causes the Typical "Low Voice"
In some cases, swelling may limit the ability of the vocal folds to vibrate at higher speeds (frequencies),
which are needed to produce high-pitched sounds. This causes a decrease
in the pitch range and affects high notes more severely, thus resulting
in a "low voice."
Severe Swelling Causes Loss of Voice
If there is significant swelling of the vocal folds, they may not be
able to vibrate at all, and no sound or only a whisper is produced.
Other symptoms of laryngitis include:
- Sore throat
- Dry throat
- Itchy throat
- Sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Difficulty breathing (rare)
These symptoms are not always present when laryngitis occurs. They may also occur as symptoms of problems other than laryngitis.
How do I know if I have laryngitis?
The development of hoarseness is usually the first sign of
laryngitis. However, hoarseness can be a sign of other voice problems
as well. (For more information, see Overview of Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.)
Avoid Voice Exertion When Laryngitis Is Present
The voice should not be used excessively during laryngitis in the absence of evaluation by an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist (otolaryngologist).
In some cases of laryngitis, excessive voice use can cause further and
irrevocable injury to the vocal folds, leading to vocal fold
hemorrhage, vocal fold scar, and/or vocal fold lesions. Examples of
excessive voice use include singing, acting, performing, lecturing, or
excessive talking or phone use.
Hoarseness Longer Than 14 Days Must Be Evaluated
Hoarseness persisting longer than 14 days should be evaluated by an
ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or ENT voice
specialist (laryngologist).
 Red Flag
Vocal Fold Bleeding Is a Voice Emergency
The
sudden onset of hoarseness over the course of minutes to 24 hours after
strenuous vocal use (such as singing, acting, yelling, screaming,
coughing, vomiting) may indicate vocal fold bleeding (hemorrhage), which is an emergency requiring immediate examination by a laryngologist or otolaryngologist.
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