Laryngitis is a type of swelling called inflammation that affects the voice box. The medical name for the voice box is the larynx. The larynx can become inflamed from overuse, irritation or infection.
Inside the larynx are the vocal cords. These two bands of muscle tissue give you your voice. When they're healthy, the vocal cords open and close smoothly. They make sounds through their movement and vibration. But with laryngitis, the vocal cords become inflamed. This distorts the sounds made by air passing over them. As a result, the voice sounds hoarse. Some people with laryngitis lose their voices for a time.
Most often, laryngitis lasts for a short while. This is called acute laryngitis. A mild infection from a virus usually causes it, such as a cold or the flu. Or laryngitis can be longer-lasting, also called chronic. Some health conditions and irritating substances such as smoke can cause it.
Treatment of acute laryngitis often involves self-care or resting the voice. With chronic laryngitis, an underlying cause may need to be treated with medicine or lifestyle changes.
Help prevent laryngitis with steps such as handwashing to lower the risk of colds and other viral infections. Stay away from smoke or chemical fumes. And try not to shout or sing loudly often.