Laryngitis Johns Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 Updates Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses Testing Patient Care Visitor Guidelines Coronavirus Email Alerts Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. CloseSearch Submit Search Popular Searches coronavirus careers medical records map insurance accepted telemedicine Menu Health Laryngitis Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page Featured Expert: Vaninder Kaur Dhillon, M.D. What is laryngitis Inflammation of the vocal cords can alter the way the vocal cords come together and vibrate, causing voice changes. Voice change caused by laryngitis, or voice box inflammation, can be accompanied by constant throat pain or pain with talking or swallowing. What are the causes of laryngitis The most common cause of laryngitis is a virus. Other types of infection (rare) are bacterial or fungal. Some inhaled medications can be a risk factor for laryngitis. Poor vocal hygiene can lead to laryngitis or inflammation of the vocal folds. This is related to voice abuse, misuse, dehydration or indirect voice box inflammation secondary to sinus or mouth issues. Smoking or vaping. Autoimmune disorders such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's disease) or pemphigoid/pemphigus. Irritants such as gastroesophageal reflux and sinus issues can indirectly cause inflammation of the vocal folds. Sore or dry throat, frequent throat clearing, a sensation of thick mucus or phlegm in the throat and chronic dry cough. How is laryngitis diagnosed Laryngitis is diagnosed clinically by symptoms such as loss of voice or change in voice that persist typically between seven and 10 days. During a laryngitis period, it is important to call your health care provider to ask for management strategies as each individual's symptoms and history are different. Sometimes laryngitis may require coming into the office for an examination of your vocal folds. How is laryngitis treated Based on your diagnosis after a complete workup, an individual treatment plan will be developed. Treatment options include: Medication to clear up a suspected infection. Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist to improve the care and use of your voice. Avoidance of irritants, including tobacco products, that caused the laryngitis. Some patients will be treated with oral steroids with or without voice rest to help diagnose an inflammatory voice problem. However, for long-term voice problems secondary to vocal fold inflammation, it is best to avoid long-term steroid use if possible and to treat any underlying problems. Johns Hopkins Division of Laryngology We offer personalized and comprehensive treatment plans for patients with voice, swallowing, and complex airway disorders. You will benefit from laryngologists who have vast experience in treating these disorders and can provide patients top-notch care. Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Division of Laryngology Find a Doctor Specializing In: Voice Problems Vocal Cord Polyps Vocal Cord Paralysis Vocal Cord Cysts Vocal Cord Nodules See More At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Find a Treatment Center Voice Center General Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Care Laryngology Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery See More Find Additional Treatment Centers at: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Related Vocal Cord Disorders Spasmodic Dysphonia Muscle Tension Dysphonia Parathyroidectomy Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Doctor See More Related Vocal Cord Paralysis Vocal Cord Disorders Hoarseness Spasmodic Dysphonia Hoarseness Muscle Tension Dysphonia Related Topics