Do I Have Laryngitis?

Do you have a hoarse voice?

Do you have a weak voice or a complete loss of your voice?

Do you have tickling sensation in your throat?

Do you have sore throat?

Do you have a dry throat?

Do you have a feeling of fullness in your throat or neck?

Do you have difficulty or pain with swallowing?

Do you have a dry cough?

Do you have swollen lymph glands in your neck?

Do you have fever or chills?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you sneeze or have runny or stuffy nose?

Have you had cold or an upper respiratory tract infection recently?

Do you smoke or drink alcohol daily?

Have you recently overused your vocal cords, such as by singing or shouting?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have laryngitis. Laryngitis is a medical condition that refers to an inflammation of your vocal cords. Vocal cords are placed in the voice box also called larynx, and can become inflamed due to infection, irritation or overuse. Normally, your vocal cords move and vibrate when you talk. Inflamed vocal cords are swollen, and when air passes over them, they produce distorted sound resulting in changes in your voice. Your voice may become hoarse, weak or sometimes almost undetectable. Most cases of laryngitis are short-term conditions and improve in a weak or two.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have laryngitis. Laryngitis is an inflammation of your voice box and vocal cords in your throat. There are two types of laryngitis: acute and chronic. Acute laryngitis is usually caused by viral and bacterial infections, or by overusing your voice. Speaking too loud, shouting or singing can damage your vocal cords. Chronic laryngitis is a result of long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, workplace chemicals or stomach acid (in people with GERD). Laryngitis may improve without treatment. Try to rest your voice and drink plenty of fluids. Always consult your doctor about any concerns.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have laryngitis. Laryngitis is an inflammation of your vocal cords in the larynx (voice box). The larynx is an organ located in your upper neck and different types of infections can cause inflammation and swelling of your vocal cords. Inflamed vocal cords produce muffled sound and your voice becomes hoarse. Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses such as a cold, the flu or bronchitis. People who smoke or overuse their voice (public speakers or singers) are prone to laryngitis. The best treatment is resting your voice, but in some cases your doctor may prescribe you medications.