LightENT of Boynton Beach looks at the causes and risks
The holiday season may be past us, but the sore throat season is here for a while. And as a sore throat is one of the prevailing symptoms of COVID-19, LightENT of Boynton Beach thought it would be beneficial to get to know the common inflammatory condition of the larynx (or voice box) that is laryngitis.
While some patients experience pain, laryngitis is very often painless, by itself a distinction from the coronavirus symptom. Laryngitis usually presents itself with voice hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, or a raspy or breathy voice. However, a sore through, along with trouble swallowing, may also occur, so your first resource may be to get a test for the virus currently making life interesting.
While children can contract it, laryngitis is far more common in adults. This is especially true for anyone who might strain their voice through overuse, like a teacher or singer. It is possible to contract laryngitis after a cold, prolonged cough, or respiratory disease, which means patients might outlast a bout with the coronavirus but sill contract laryngitis for the trouble.
Coughing causes particular irritation of the larynx as it agitates the vocal cords by bringing them together, and coughing is, of course, yet another symptom of COVID. Of course, laryngitis can also occur from completely unrelated experiences such as 2nd-hand smoke and exposure to pollutants in the air.
Chronic Occurrences
Most cases of laryngitis happen once and lasts about two weeks, while a smaller percentage of patients experience recurrences over time or a persistence in lasting symptoms. A case of laryngitis is categorized as chronic if it lasts 3 weeks or longer. This is normally when a primary care doctor will refer patients to an ENT doctor, after 3 weeks of hoarseness or when other laryngitis symptoms remain persistent.
What causes chronic laryngitis?
- Smoking and other bad habits that lead to throat irritation
- A prolonged cough due to cold, flu, or another respiratory ailment that is causing the entire planet to go into periodic lockdowns
- Vocal overuse (or even abuse) of the voice, from yelling and screaming, etc.
- Occupational hazards (such as singers, salespeople, or customer service…anyone who has to constantly yell above noise
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), most especially when partnered with excessive use of alcohol
- Post-nasal drip from allergies or sinusitis
But also, it must be said, laryngitis can be idiopathic, which means there is no known cause.
Reducing your risk
How can you mitigate the risk of contracting laryngitis, or at least minimize its effects on you and your day-to-day life? Most laryngitis is viral which means, as we have all learned over course of the past year, that it simply must run its course. Doctors will not prescribe antibiotics for laryngitis, but (depending on your symptoms) there are still some remedies you can try:
- Keep as hydrated as possible every waking moment
- Either use your allergy medication or minimize your exposure to allergens to keep your symptoms under control
- Try to manage any acid reflux
- Limit your exposure to tomato-based or spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine
- Elevate the head of your bed by 45° with blocks or foam wedges
- Try not to have any food 4 hours before bedtime
- Try to rest your voice for at least a week (if your laryngitis is caused by voice overuse)
- Your doctor may recommend medication along with lifestyle choices
- If you have a prolonged cough, it may be antibiotics and rest
- If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis
We live in strange and alarming times. We could all use a break from the doom and gloom. If you have a chronic or reoccurring condition of laryngitis, it does not usually equate to a worst-case scenario. But we understand why you may be on edge.
If you have been experiencing the symptoms of chronic laryngitis for 3 weeks or more, talk to your doctor about a referral to a licensed ENT. If you have any questions about treatment options or do not require a referral for your insurance, contact LightENT of Boynton Beach today by calling (561) 556-6298, or click here to let us know how we can help and to set up an appointment.