Introduction

Definition

Laryngitis is a condition that causes inflammation, irritation and swelling of the voice box, also called the larynx. The Larynx is located near the thyroid, in the neck region and upper respiratory tract It has two vocal cords that vibrate producing sound and allowing us to communicate. It has a mucous membrane lining covering each side. The inhalation and exhalation process exposes the larynx to getting infected, due to the presence of allergens during the process of breathing. Swallowing can also affect the mucous membrane when the food intake is difficult in galloping, or the intake has any parasitic infection such as infections or injury to the larynx.

Causes of laryngitis

There are many factors responsible for laryngitis commonly divided as viral, bacterial and environmental.

Viral

The common cold and flu happens in almost all cases causing nasal irritation, runny nose, headache, fever and sinusitis.

Secondly, an overworked voice box. Some professions like teachers, speakers, anchors and bloggers, where the voice-over command is a priority for performing daily chores, are responsible for overusing the voice box.

Thirdly, COVID-19, a pandemic that shook the whole world. Most of the cases had laryngitis as the first sign of symptoms of COVID-19, hence the swab test is done through the sample from the nose and throat for further investigation.

Bacterial

The bacterial infection is very rare, and the common species affecting the larynx to swell are groups of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

Environmental factors

Inhaling irritants like smoke, dust or any chemical compounds irritate the throat, impacting the mucus membrane of the larynx, leading to sore throat, dry cough, painful food intake, hoarse voice and uneasiness in the chest cavity. Viral and bacterial infections both indirectly come under environmental factors, which are responsible for causing laryngitis. There are other elements responsible for causing infections in the nasal to respiratory tract, and laryngitis. 

Major environmental concerns that contribute to laryngeal injury foremost laryngitis. Earlier we discussed viral and bacterial pathogens that indirectly come under environmental pathogenic allergens, as a prime cause of this condition.

The factors directly associated with environmental allergies are stated below:

• Pollution – The foremost factor responsible for the inhalation of allergic substances via air through the nasal and respiratory tract. Rapid civilisation and the development of concrete structures, for residential and commercial purposes, make a huge impact and releases carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. This directly leads to poor air quality, and inhaling such foul air causes severe throat infections like laryngitis, pharyngitis, lung infections, etc
• Dust and Smoke- Operational machines used for demolition, excavation and reconstruction operations release particulate matter, which is a complex solid and liquid mixture which can cause health hazards when inhaled. Moreover, the workers suffer the highest impact and become prone to laryngitis
• Pollen allergen -Our planet,  with its resources, shares different living organisms from animals to plants, from zooplankton to phytoplankton. Every living organism releases some irritants responsible for allergy-related laryngitis. Examples such as pollen produced by plants, grasses, weeds, fungal spores, tobacco smoke and animal fur. This allergen passes easily through your nose and into the respiratory tract, causing sore throat and injury leading to laryngitis
•  Season and weather effects- A study done worldwide in epidemiology reveals that the seasons and weather changes bring alteration in living organisms' health. In ayurvedic studies, it is said that humans have different types of dosha i.e., vata, kapha and pitta that regulate hormonal balance. The weather changes and seasonal environmental imbalances the dosha and come in the form of a sore throat. As inhalation leads to a direct passage of air into the nasal cavity and humidity, increasing body temperatures
• Humidity and moisture – Dry cough, low body temperature, high metabolism, sweaty conditions, such as environmental factors, impact hormonal changes leading to throat viral infections, causing laryngitis
• Mainly in cold and rainy seasons, cases of laryngeal conditions are observed due to viral infection

Factories that manufacture or make use of chemical compounds like the textile industry, liquid industry, and machinery manufacturer emit highly reactive substances via gaseous release or throwing of the remains directly into the debris producing a foul smell, and foggy layer in the areas creating havoc and throat seriousness like laryngitis and pharyngitis.

FAQs

How to differentiate between laryngitis and pharyngitis?

Both have similar symptoms but the affected organ differs, the larynx, also known as the voice box, causes laryngitis and the pharynx is behind the throat and causes pharyngitis.

Is sore throat a common symptom in both laryngitis and pharyngitis?

Yes, both have the same sore throat, therefore further physical examination can help to better differentiate the two.

Does laryngitis get worse at night or in the morning?

Most people experience the worst symptoms at night, they have a dry cough and headache Few may experience morning fatigue (tiredness) and dyspnoea (shortness of breath).

How to know if it’s a viral or bacterial infection?

Generally, a viral infection is common, but if there is no relief for a longer duration, bacterial tests are done with the help of swabs.

Do ears get affected too in this condition?

Yes, people complain about an ear-shunting feeling and ringing sounds.

Is the weather conditions the only cause of laryngitis in all patients?

Every case is different, from symptomatic and asymptomatic conditions. weather can be a reason, however, a weakened immune system, due to colder weather is also a possibility. 

How does the chest get affected by laryngitis?

Laryngitis causes a sore throat and weakening of membranes. allergens pass from the respiratory tract to the chest cavity hence congestion in the chest is observed.

Conclusion

• Disposing of harmful affluents with proper management with the help of environmental experts
• Avoiding public places during cold and flu
• Proper diet intake taking guidance from a physician or diet planner
• If conditions last more than 2 weeks immediate medical attention will be taken