The AFC Urgent Care Waltham providers are here to help keep you healthy. From the flu to symptoms of laryngitis, we are here to help. Visit our walk-in urgent care center for medical care today, or make an appointment for COVID-19 testing now.
Located in the neck (between the pharynx and the trachea) and taking the form of a tube, the larynx is an organ that houses vocal cords, muscles, and cartilage.
It fulfills three prominent roles:
- pass air through the trachea and lungs;
- prevent false routes when swallowing food: it closes (its epiglottis tilts over the glottis) and prevents food from passing into the respiratory tract;
- produce sounds through the vocal cords.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, which mainly affects the vocal cords. This inflammation causes severe hoarseness, which may require "breaking your voice" or whispering to be heard. It can also temporarily cause "loss of voice."
This inflammation is quite common. Symptoms of Laryngitis are caused mainly by viral or bacterial infections.
Common Laryngitis Symptoms
The main symptom of inflammation of the larynx is:
- a hoarse voice: the vocal cords can no longer move and vibrate freely. Talking becomes particularly painful. The voice changes; it becomes hoarse and can go so far as to die out.
This hoarseness can also be associated with:
- a dry cough ;
- a cold ;
- respiratory discomfort: edema formed under the glottis narrows the passage of air in the larynx;
- flu ;
- sour throat
- dry throat
While this disease is usually mild and easy to treat with rest and a few first-aid measures, it may sometimes be necessary to see a doctor. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the discomfort caused, the latter may prescribe an appropriate treatment.
In some cases, especially in children, symptoms may worsen and require hospitalization.
A medical consultation is essential where;
- symptoms that persist despite a prior medical examination;
- difficult, slow, and noisy breathing ;
- a worsening cough associated with
- fever.
- Bloody coughs
- Severe pains
Prevention
The best way to prevent uncomplicated laryngitis is to avoid irritants or excessively straining your voice. Consider these measures to avoid dryness and irritation of the vocal cord.
- Rest your voice for at least 48 hours ( avoid talking, singing, or shouting for long)
- reduce the intake of spice (foods, chips, sauce, etc.)
- Drink water regularly to maintain hydration.
- Avoid smoking and staying in areas.
- Moisturize your throat ( chew a piece of gum, or gargle saltwater)
- humidify the air to breathe in moist air.
- Eat well. Add fresh vegetables and fruits to your everyday diet.
- Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
These preventive measures are bound to limit the strain on your voice and prevent irritation of your vocal cords.
Treating Laryngitis
The first treatment for laryngitis is to rest the voice for at least 48 hours.
Other treatments include:
- Erysimum-based lozenges, to relieve the throat;
- anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen) to decrease inflammation of the larynx;
- taking cough syrups (codeine, pholcodine)
- inhalations using essential oils, such as eucalyptus, pine, etc .;
- Thyme tea with honey;
- gargling with aspirin;
- you can also practice voice therapy to reduce the acts that worsen your voice.
- Surgery.
If the disease is of bacterial origin, treatment with antibiotics will be prescribed by your doctor. It is essential to follow this treatment until the end.
Note: If you are sick, you can limit the spread of the virus by washing your hands and avoiding too close contact with people around you.
