Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box or larynx, which can be caused by overuse, irritation, or infection. The vocal cords inside the larynx become inflamed or irritated, causing them to swell and distort the sounds produced by air passing over them, resulting in hoarseness or even loss of voice. Laryngitis can be acute or chronic, with most cases being triggered by a temporary viral infection and not being serious. However, persistent hoarseness can sometimes signal a more serious underlying medical condition.

Some common symptoms of laryngitis include hoarseness, sore throat, tickling feeling in the throat, low-grade fever, trouble speaking, dry cough, swollen glands, and a constant urge to clear the throat. Diagnosis of laryngitis can be done through a visual examination of the vocal cords using a light and a tiny mirror to look into the back of the throat, or through fiber-optic laryngoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light through the nose or mouth and into the back of the throat.

Treatment for acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week or so, and self-care measures such as voice rest, drinking fluids, and humidifying the air can help improve symptoms. Chronic laryngitis treatments are aimed at treating the underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking, or excessive use of alcohol, and medications used in some cases include antibiotics and corticosteroids.