Am I At Risk Of Getting Laryngitis?

Have you recently had a respiratory infection, such as a cold, bronchitis or sinusitis?

Are you exposed to toxic chemicals and irritants in the workplace?

Are you often exposed to cigarette smoke?

Do you drink too much alcohol (men - more than 15 drinks a week, women - more than 8 drinks a week)?

Have you used your voice extensively, speaking too much, speaking too loudly, shouting or singing?

Do you often have heartburn?

Do you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Are you a professional singer?

Do you have allergies?

Do you have a fungal infection, such as oral thrush?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting laryngitis. Laryngitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of your voice box (larynx). It can be the result of infection, irritation or overuse. In most cases, laryngitis is a temporary condition caused by viral infections and excessive straining of the vocal cords due to shouting, singing or speaking too loudly or too much. To prevent laryngitis, it is necessary to maintain regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with people who have a cold or flu. Also, try to drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucus in your throat thin so you can easily clear your throat.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting laryngitis. Laryngitis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation of your voice box or vocal cords. In people who sing professionally, laryngitis can be a chronic problem caused by constant excessive use of the voice. Chronic laryngitis usually lasts longer than three weeks. Also, people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have laryngitis because stomach acid flows back to the esophagus and throat. In this case, you should avoid spicy foods that can lead to heartburn. Try to eat healthy and varied foods that can help keep the mucous membranes in your throat healthy.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting laryngitis. Laryngitis is an inflammatory disease of your voice box and vocal cords. There are a number of different conditions that can lead to laryngitis, including viral and bacterial infections as well as environmental factors. Prolonged inflammation of the vocal cords is often the result of irritants that you inhale, such as chemical fumes, allergens or smoke. Avoid smoking and stay away from passive smoking. Smoke dries your throat. It can also irritate your vocal cords. Throat irritation and consequent laryngitis can be caused by inhaled medications, such as an asthma inhaler.