Laryngitis: Problem and Prevention

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords, the symptoms of which are hoarseness and pain.  Singing badly, or yelling and screaming can easily inflame the vocal cords, according to Barry C. Barron, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. In addition, colds and flu, pollen, dry air, smoke and alcohol can also inflame the vocal cords. While laryngitis can cause discomfort and be painful, it does not generally persist and can be prevented.  The important thing is to keep the vocal cords in smooth working order, and it does not take much effort to do so.  Vocal cords need sufficient amount of rest and relaxation.

Screaming and talking incessantly can irritate the vocal cords, according to Stephen Mitchell, M.D., Chairman of the Speech, Voice and Swallowing Disorders Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.  Generally those that can be easily affected by laryngitis are teachers, parents, salesmen, motivational speakers, or any other kind of vocation that entails a lot of speaking.

What should be done to prevent laryngitis:  l) Stop clearing your throat unnecessarily. One way to break this habit is to take sips of water regularly throughout the day; 2) During the cold winter months, the heating at home can cause the air to be dry.  Indoor heating can dry out your vocal cords and cause irritation. To prevent this, use a properly working and clean humidifier; 3) Quit smoking. Smoking definitely causes laryngitis, according to Dr. Baron. Puffing on cigarettes constantly can chronically inflame the vocal cords.  You may have noticed some older women with heavy voices caused by constantly smoking.

Vocal cord abuse may lead to small white-gray knots or swelling in the vocal cords.  Your voice may sound raspy and hard. The nodes can stay there permanently like caluses, in which case, surgery becomes an option. 

Vocal polyps: These are tiny, tumorlike growths on the vocal cords that may or may not be malignant. If benign, hoarseness comes and goes, whereas a malignant polyp can cause continuous and worsening hoarseness. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of polyps.

Contact ulcers: These are sores on the vocal cords. Hoarseness is accompanied by pain that occurs deep within the neck up to the ear. You may also experience a tickle or an urge to clear your throat, a lump in your throat, aching and dryness.

How to deal with laryngitis: l) inhale some steam from a sinkful of hot water with a towel over your head; 2) Get a nice, hot shower. Vapor moisturizes the vocal cords; 3) Sip warm tea; 3) Suck lozenges; 4) Gargle with warm, salt water, an old remedy for sore throat; 5) When everything enumerated above fails to provide the relief you need, it is time to see a doctor.