Definition

Laryngitis (pronounced lar-uhn-JIE-tiss) is an inflammation of the larynx, resulting in hoarseness of the voice.

Description

The larynx is the upper portion of the trachea (pronounced TRAY-keeuh), or windpipe. When a person breathes in, air passes into the nose or mouth. It then travels down the trachea into the lungs. The larynx also contains the vocal cords, used in making sounds. When air passes over the vocal cords, it causes them to vibrate. That vibration produces sound.

In laryngitis, the lower part of the larynx, including the vocal cords, is swollen and inflamed. The vocal cords can still vibrate, but not in their normal manner. The sound produced is husky. Laryngitis is a very common problem. It often occurs during an upper respiratory (breathing) tract infection, such as a common cold (see common cold entry).

Causes

In the vast majority of cases, laryngitis is caused by a...