By Renova Hospitals
January 05, 2026
Laryngitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Overview
Throat pain, hoarseness, and voice changes are among the most frequent symptoms seen in outpatient clinics, yet they are also some of the most underestimated. Many people dismiss them as “just a cold,” relying on home remedies or short courses of medication.
While this approach may be sufficient for a mild viral infection, persistent or recurrent symptoms often point to deeper problems involving the pharynx, larynx, delicate nerves, and even early malignancy.
Understanding Throat Anatomy: The Foundation of All Symptoms
The “throat” is not a single organ. It is a coordinated system that includes the pharynx and the larynx, each with distinct roles.
The Pharynx
The pharynx is a muscular passage behind the nose and mouth. It plays a key role in:
- Swallowing food and liquids
- Guiding air into the lungs
- Acting as a first line of immune defence
Inflammation here results in pharyngitis.
The Larynx (Voice Box)
The larynx sits below the pharynx and above the windpipe. When doctors explain what is laryngeal, they are referring to everything related to this structure, its anatomy, nerves, and functions.
The larynx:
- Produces voice
- Protects the airway during swallowing
- Regulates breathing and airflow
Inside the larynx are:
- Vocal cords
- Laryngeal cavities that amplify and shape sound
- The laryngeal saccule, which secretes mucus to lubricate the vocal cords
- Cartilages, muscles, and nerves are essential for fine voice control
Because the larynx is exposed to air, food particles, acid reflux, smoke, and pollutants, it is highly vulnerable to inflammation and injury.
What Is Pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx and is one of the most common causes of sore throat worldwide.
Causes of Pharyngitis
- Viral infections (most common)
- Bacterial infections
- Allergies and post-nasal drip
- Pollution and smoke exposure
- Acid reflux
- Dry environments and dehydration
Symptoms of Pharyngitis
- Pain or burning in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Redness at the back of the throat
- Fever, fatigue, body aches
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
Although pharyngitis often resolves on its own, frequent or prolonged episodes should prompt medical evaluation.
Pharyngitis vs Laryngitis: Why Doctors Emphasise the Difference
Patients often search for Pharyngitis vs Laryngitis, assuming they are the same condition. Clinically, they are not.
- Pharyngitis mainly causes throat pain
- Laryngitis primarily affects voice quality
From a doctor’s perspective, persistent hoarseness is never ignored because it often points to laryngeal involvement, nerve dysfunction, or early cancer.
What is Laryngitis?
It is inflammation of the larynx that leads to swelling and irritation of the vocal cords. When vocal cords are inflamed, they cannot vibrate normally, causing hoarseness, voice fatigue, or complete voice loss.
Laryngitis affects:
- Speech clarity
- Voice strength and pitch
- Breathing–speech coordination
- Social and professional communication
What is Laryngitis caused by?
Patients frequently ask what Laryngitis is caused, and the answer is often multifactorial:
- Viral upper respiratory infections
- Excessive voice use, shouting, or singing
- Smoking and tobacco exposure
- Alcohol consumption
- Acid reflux (GERD / LPR)
- Chronic coughing or throat clearing
- Air pollution and chemical exposure
All these triggers disturb the pathophysiology of Laryngitis, leading to inflammation, edema, altered mucus secretion, and impaired nerve signalling.
The Pathophysiology of Laryngitis Explained Simply
At a microscopic level:
- Inflammation causes swelling of the vocal cord tissue
- Swollen cords become heavier and stiffer
- Normal vibration is disrupted
- Voice becomes hoarse, breathy, or weak
If inflammation persists, scarring and permanent voice changes can occur.
Types of Laryngitis
Doctors classify types of Laryngitis based on duration and cause:
Acute Laryngitis
- Sudden onset
- Usually viral
- Resolves within 1–2 weeks
Chronic Laryngitis
It is an inflammation of the larynx lasting more than three weeks.
It is an inflammation of the larynx lasting more than three weeks.
Common causes include:
- Long-term smoking
- Uncontrolled acid reflux
- Occupational voice strain (teachers, singers, call-centre professionals)
- Chronic sinus infections
Patients often worry: Does chronic Laryngitis go away?
Yes, when the root cause is treated early. Without treatment, chronic inflammation can cause irreversible voice damage.
Yes, when the root cause is treated early. Without treatment, chronic inflammation can cause irreversible voice damage.
What are the symptoms of Laryngitis?
The most common symptoms of Laryngitis include:
- Hoarse or raspy voice
- Weak or breathy speech
- Complete voice loss
- Throat dryness or burning
- Persistent dry cough
- Frequent throat clearing
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
Symptoms lasting more than 2–3 weeks require specialist care.
Is Laryngitis contagious?
The answer depends on the cause:
- Viral Laryngitis can be contagious
- Laryngitis caused by reflux, smoking, or voice misuse is not infectious
Understanding this distinction prevents unnecessary antibiotic use.
The Role of Laryngeal Nerves in Voice and Swallowing
The larynx is controlled by a precise nerve network:
- Laryngeal nerve – a general term for nerves supplying the larynx
- Superior laryngeal nerve – controls pitch and sensation
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve – controls vocal cord movement
Injury or inflammation can cause:
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury
- Laryngeal nerve palsy, leading to hoarseness, choking, or breathing difficulty
Nerve injury may result from surgery, tumours, prolonged inflammation, or viral infections.
Diagnostic Evaluation: How ENT Specialists Investigate
Laryngeal endoscopy
ENT doctors use laryngeal endoscopy to directly visualise vocal cords, laryngeal cavities, and subtle lesions that are not visible on routine examination.
Advanced ENT Tools
- Laryngeal forceps for biopsy or lesion removal
- Laryngeal mask airway placement to maintain airway safety during procedures
These tools allow accurate diagnosis while preserving voice and nerve function.
Structural Disorders: Laryngeal cyst
A laryngeal cyst is a benign fluid-filled swelling that can cause:
- Persistent hoarseness
- Voice fatigue
- Breathing difficulty if large
Early detection prevents airway compromise.
Chronic Inflammation and Progressive Laryngeal Disease
Untreated inflammation can progress into complex laryngeal disease, such as:
- Vocal cord nodules
- Polyps
- Scarring
- Pre-cancerous changes
Professional voice users are particularly vulnerable.
Cancer Awareness: A Life-Saving Discussion
What is laryngeal cancer?
It is a malignancy arising from the tissues of the voice box, often presenting first as persistent hoarseness.
Laryngeal cancer risk factors
Major laryngeal cancer risk factors include:
- Smoking (strongest risk factor)
- Alcohol use
- HPV infection
- Occupational chemical exposure
- Long-standing chronic inflammation
Laryngeal cancer staging
Laryngeal cancer staging helps doctors determine disease extent and choose the best treatment. Early-stage cancer often allows voice-preserving therapy with excellent outcomes.
Treatment and Recovery of Laryngitis
Effective strategies include:
- Voice rest
- Adequate hydration
- Treating acid reflux
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- Medications when indicated
How to cure Laryngitis
Patients asking how to cure Laryngitis should understand that the cure depends on identifying and correcting the underlying cause, not just symptom relief.
Voice Care, Prevention, and Rehabilitation
- Practice good voice hygiene
- Avoid shouting and whispering
- Stay hydrated
- Seek speech therapy if advised
- Treat reflux and allergies promptly
Voice therapy is often crucial for recovery, especially after nerve injury or chronic disease.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?
Consult an ENT specialist urgently if:
- Hoarseness lasts more than 3 weeks
- There is difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pain radiates to the ear
- There is unexplained weight loss
- Blood appears in saliva
These may indicate nerve injury or malignancy.
Renova Hospitals: Comprehensive ENT & Voice Care
At Renova Hospitals, our ENT specialists offer advanced diagnostic evaluation, nerve-sparing management, early cancer detection, voice rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary care, ensuring safety, accuracy, and long-term quality of life.
Final Takeaway
A sore throat or hoarse voice should never be ignored. What begins as pharyngitis may progress to Laryngitis, nerve damage, or serious laryngeal disease if untreated. Awareness, early diagnosis, and expert care protect your voice and your life.
If symptoms persist, seek professional ENT care at Renova Hospitals without delay.
