Laryngitis overview

Laryngitis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. It causes hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation to the vocal folds (vocal cords)

Laryngitis is categorized as acute if it lasts less than a few days. Otherwise it is categorized as chronic, and may last over 3 weeks.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

A physical examination can determine whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection. Patients with lasting hoarseness (especially smokers) will need to see an ear, nose, andthroat doctor (otolaryngologist) for tests of the throat and upper airway.