Overview

The larynx is a hollow tube present in the neck which is also called the voice box. It connects the throat to the windpipe and is part of the respiratory system. Laryngitis is a condition caused when the larynx is inflamed. It can be due to the overuse, infection or irritation of the larynx. The larynx contains vocal cords that help make sound and let the air pass to the trachea and to the lungs.^1,2,3

Vocal cords are two band muscles inside the larynx, they help in making sounds, breathing and swallowing food safely. Vocal cord nodules are a condition caused by the overuse of the voice. Callus-like growth develops on one or both the vocal cords. These growths are mostly non-cancerous. ⁴

Laryngitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections which can be contagious (passed to others), but vocal cord nodules are not contagious.^3,4

Symptoms 

Causes

Diagnosis and tests

Laryngitis

• Blood test: A complete blood count (CBC) helps in discovering a wide range of conditions like anaemia, infection and platelets. Changes in the blood count can indicate medical conditions^8,9
• Culture test: The healthcare provider examines the throat and collects samples from the throat. It is then tested in a laboratory for bacterial or fungal infections
• Laryngoscopy: In this procedure, the healthcare provider inserts a laryngoscope, a thin tube with a lens, light and a camera at the end. It is inserted through the nose and passed to the throat. Healthcare providers apply numbing medicine and decongestant (medicine to relieve a stuffy nose) to the nose before starting the procedure. They may ask the patient to talk during the test to see if the vocal cord is working properly
• Biopsy: It is a procedure in which cells, tissues or fluid is taken for examination from the area of concern. The pathologist then examines the given sample

Vocal cord nodule

• Blood test: A complete blood count (CBC) helps in finding conditions like anaemia, infections and platelet count. Changes in blood count indicate medical conditions which need treatment
• Laryngoscopy: In this procedure, the healthcare provider inserts a flexible laryngoscope tube through the nose to the throat. The tube consists of light, leans and a video camera, which helps the doctor to see the vocal cords
• Stroboscopy: A flexible or rigid stroboscopy is used in this procedure. A flexible stroboscope is connected to an endoscope and is inserted through the nose to the throat. It is attached with a microphone and a strobe light which helps in providing the frequency of the voice¹⁰
• Biopsy: It is a procedure in which samples of cells, tissues or fluid are taken from the area affected and examined by a pathologist

Treatment and management

After diagnosis, treatment is given by an ENT specialist (the doctor specialises in treating ear, nose and throat). Treatment is given according to the symptoms present.

Laryngitis

• Antibiotics: If the laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics
• Antifungals: If the laryngitis is related to a yeast infection or candida then the doctor may prescribe antifungal medicines
• Pain relievers: If the person is suffering from discomfort or pain then the doctor may prescribe acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen
• Corticosteroids: The doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation

Vocal cord nodules

• Voice therapy: This therapy helps in healing the injured vocal cord and helps in preventing future injuries. A speech pathologist helps the patient with vocal exercises to improve breathing, reduce strain and help in finding the optimal volume for healthy speaking. Voice therapists help professional singers or vocal performers to improve their vocal range and quality
• Microsurgery: Surgery is recommended in cases where the non-cancerous vocal cord nodules need to be removed. The doctor may give general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision away from the vibrating edge of the vocal cord and a small tissue flap is lifted to remove the growth. This technique is known as phonomicrosurgery which helps in reducing the risk of scarring. Voice therapy is needed after the surgery for better recovery
• Vocal cord laser surgery: When using laser procedure, some lesions of the vocal cord can be removed. This procedure can be done while the patient is awake or under general anaesthesia. A surgeon inserts a thin scope into the nose to the throat and uses a laser beam to shrink the lesions. Voice therapy is needed for proper recovery
• Medicines: Doctors may prescribe medicines to treat underlying disease conditions like coughing, acid reflux, thyroid and allergies

FAQs

Should a person with laryngitis stay at home?

If the person's work requires more talking then it is advised to take some days off to recover. If laryngitis is caused by bacterial infection then there is a chance of disease spreading to others. In this condition, it is better to stay at home and take complete rest.

How to get rid of laryngitis?

• Take complete rest at home
• Keep hydrated
• Try to talk as little as possible
• Gargle with warm salt water

Are vocal cord nodules serious?

Vocal cord nodules are non-cancerous (benign) growths formed due to the overuse of the voice.

What are the things to avoid if you have vocal cord nodules?

• Avoid overuse of voice
• Avoid signing and yelling

Summary

Laryngitis is a condition caused when the larynx is inflamed. It is caused due to the overuse of voice, infection or irritation of the larynx. Laryngitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections which can be contagious (passed to others). Vocal cords are two band muscles inside the larynx, they help in making sounds, breathing and swallowing food safely. Vocal cord nodules are a condition caused by the overuse of the voice. Callus-like growth develops on one or both the vocal cords. These growths are mostly non-cancerous. Laryngitis can be treated with antibiotics or corticosteroids. Vocal cord nodules need to be removed with the help of surgery and for full recovery the patient needs voice therapy.