Laryngitis occurs when your larynx becomes inflamed, leading to a raspy voice. When the vocal cords become inflamed, they swell, which causes the sounds they produce to become distorted. The result is the feeling that you are losing your voice.
This condition can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but treatment can provide relief from your symptoms. When you work with Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy, you’ll be back on track to sounding like yourself when talking with friends or leading presentations at work.
What Are the Symptoms of Laryngitis?
- Losing your voice
- Hoarseness
- Sore or dry throat
- Cough
What Causes this Condition?
Most cases of laryngitis are acute, meaning they will resolve when what’s causing the symptoms improves. Acute laryngitis is often the result of a viral infection or vocal strain, and less frequently, a bacterial infection.
Chronic laryngitis lasts more than three weeks and is the result of long-term exposure to irritants from your environment, acid reflux, excessive alcohol use, smoking or chronic sinusitis.
How Do ENTS Diagnose Laryngitis?
Along with taking a medical history, our ENT will discuss the length and severity of your symptoms. They’ll also perform a physical exam, including a laryngoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor will use a light and mirror to view the back of your throat. This single procedure is often all that’s needed for an ENT to discover the cause of your symptoms.
What Treatments Are Available for Laryngitis?
Depending on what’s causing your laryngitis, our provider might recommend:
- Limiting smoking or alcohol consumption
- Antibiotics if your symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection
- Corticosteroids if your vocal cords are inflamed
- Treatment for chronic sinusitis
Treatment Is Just a Phone Call Away
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of laryngitis. At Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy, our team is here to provide diagnosis and treatment so you can find relief from your symptoms. Soon enough, your voice will be back to normal.
Call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy for more information or to schedule an appointment.