Not Sore Throat Anymore: Laryngitis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Laryngitis occurs when your larynx, or voice box, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can result in temporary voice changes, a persistent tickle in your throat, or a complete loss of voice in severe cases¹. Unlike a sore throat, which typically feels painful, laryngitis feels more like a dull irritation—almost as if something obstructs your voice. People with laryngitis might describe their voice as hoarse, breathy, or even raspy. For some, it feels like an urge to clear the throat constantly, but doing so offers only temporary relief.

The symptoms of laryngitis can vary, but generally, they include¹:

• Hoarseness or a noticeable change in your voice
• Tickling or rawness in the throat
• Dry throat and a persistent cough
• A feeling of tightness in the throat

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for a week or more, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. On one hand, acute laryngitis, which lasts only a few days, often stems from a viral infection.² On the other hand, chronic laryngitis is a longer-lasting condition that may arise from underlying conditions or prolonged irritants like smoke or pollution.^3,4

The primary causes of laryngitis differ depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic. Here’s a breakdown:

Acute Laryngitis

Despite being commonly caused by viral infections, acute laryngitis can also result from overuse of the voice, bacterial infections, or exposure to irritants².

• Viral infections: Just like a cold or flu, acute laryngitis is often caused by a viral infection.
• Vocal strain: Shouting, singing, or speaking for prolonged periods can strain the vocal cords, leading to irritation and inflammation.
• Bacterial infections: Though rare, bacteria can also cause acute laryngitis, often occurring after a viral infection.

Chronic Laryngitis

• Allergens and irritants: Exposure to smoke, chemicals, or allergens can cause inflammation in the vocal cords over time. Long-term studies in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggest that environmental pollutants and allergens can increase the risk of chronic laryngitis in susceptible individuals³.
• Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid moving up the esophagus can irritate the larynx, leading to persistent laryngitis. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases acknowledges that GERD can lead to complications outside the esophagus, such as laryngitis⁴, but doesn’t explicitly say that it’s a common cause for chronic laryngeal inflammation.
• Frequent respiratory infections: Those with compromised immune systems or recurring colds may develop chronic laryngitis

While laryngitis and sore throat both affect the throat area, the two conditions are not the same. A sore throat, often caused by a viral infection, brings about intense pain, especially when swallowing. Laryngitis, on the other hand, is characterized by vocal changes and a persistent feeling of irritation rather than sharp pain. Conditions like tonsillitis or pharyngitis might accompany a sore throat but don’t necessarily result in voice changes. When laryngitis is present, your voice becomes the main clue, making it difficult to speak normally.

Treating laryngitis involves a combination of rest, hydration, and soothing products that can alleviate throat discomfort. Here’s a rundown of helpful practices and products to help relieve symptoms:

1. Rest your voice

Avoid speaking loudly or for extended periods, as this can worsen inflammation.

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking warm liquids like tea with honey can soothe the throat. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can dehydrate the throat and worsen symptoms. Mayo Clinic staying hydrated keeps the mucus in the throat thin, making it easier to clear and reducing the risk of additional irritation or infection⁵.

3. Try steam inhalation

Breathing in steam helps moisturize the throat and reduce irritation. Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates mention that steam inhalation can help hydrate and soothe the throat, which may provide relief for laryngitis symptoms⁶.

4. Avoid irritants

If chronic laryngitis is an issue, try to limit exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution, and other environmental irritants.

5. Change your eating habits

For those with laryngitis from acid reflux, lifestyle changes like avoiding spicy or acidic foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage symptoms.

6. Taking Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) lozenges

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) lozenges can help provide relief of sore throat and dry cough relief, along with the most common symptoms you can experience when you have laryngitis. Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) offers a wide variety of lozenges for throat care, available at your nearest convenience stores and pharmacies. You can also order them online.

If your laryngitis persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional to discuss further treatment options.

• Recognize the Symptoms: Laryngitis goes beyond a sore throat, with symptoms like voice hoarseness, a dry cough, and an itchy throat.
• Identify the Cause: Acute laryngitis usually stems from viral infections, while chronic laryngitis often results from prolonged exposure to irritants or acid reflux.
• Take Action for Relief: Rest, hydration, and soothing lozenges like Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) can make a big difference.
• Know When to Seek Help: If symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.

Understanding laryngitis and how to manage it means you’ll be prepared the next time your voice starts feeling scratchy. By knowing the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures—including trusty Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) lozenges—you can navigate laryngitis more comfortably and get back to feeling and sounding like yourself again.