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 a 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.