Understanding Laryngitis: The Causes

Laryngitis is more than just losing your voice; it's an inflammation of the voice box, also known as the larynx. When the vocal cords become swollen and irritated, it can lead to hoarseness, a sore throat, and difficulty speaking. Laryngitis can be classified as acute or chronic, with acute cases usually caused by viral infections.

Viral infections are the most common cause of acute laryngitis. The viruses that commonly lead to laryngitis include those responsible for the common cold and flu. Other potential causes of laryngitis include bacterial infections, allergies, excessive voice use or strain, smoking, and acid reflux.