Laryngitis is caused by an inflammation of the voice box (larynx). As the area around the vocal cords swells, they can't vibrate normally, so the voice sounds hoarse and painful; in some cases, the patient can't speak at all.

Laryngitis is a very common problem, and often occurs during a cold. It is almost always caused by the same viruses which cause most colds. Very rarely, bacteria such as Group A streptococcus may cause laryngitis. In people with faulty immune systems (particularly people with AIDS), fungal infections may be responsible for laryngitis.

Symptoms usually appear at the same time as cold symptoms, and include sore, scratchy throat, fever, runny nose, achiness, and tiredness. Problems in swallowing sometimes occur with streptococcal infections. The patient may cough and wheeze. Most often, the patient's voice will sound strained and hoarse. This is most common in infants, because the diameter of their...