What Is Laryngitis?
Understanding Vocal Fold Inflammation and How to Treat It
Laryngitis is often misunderstood as simply “hoarseness,” but in reality, it is inflammation of the vocal folds. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including:
Overuse of the voice (such as excessive talking, yelling, or singing)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngeal reflux
Allergies
Viral infections (the most common cause)
Inhaled medications (such as corticosteroids used for asthma)
Occasional bacterial infections
The main symptom of laryngitis is a change in the voice. While hoarseness is the most recognized sign, laryngitis can also cause:
Vocal strain
Difficulty raising your voice or yelling
Your voice tiring quickly
Pain with speaking
Difficulty singing
Acute vs. Chronic Laryngitis: Laryngitis is classified based on how long it lasts.
Acute laryngitis: Lasts less than three weeks and is most commonly caused by viral infections like the common cold. In the U.S. alone, there are about 1 billion colds per year, making this the most frequent cause of laryngitis.
Chronic laryngitis: Lasts longer than three weeks and may indicate an underlying condition, such as laryngeal reflux, vocal fold lesions, or other voice disorders. If symptoms persist, seeing an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor or laryngologist (ENT specializing in voice disorders) is recommended.
Is There a Treatment for Laryngitis?
There is no quick cure for laryngitis, especially when it is caused by a viral infection. However, there are ways to help relieve symptoms and support vocal health:
Voice Rest – Limit talking, avoid whispering (which strains the vocal folds more), and give your voice time to recover.
Hydration – Drink plenty of water to keep the vocal folds lubricated.
Tea & Lozenges – These can provide temporary relief by soothing the throat, though they don’t reach the vocal folds or trachea, which is where most of the discomfort originates.
Severe Cases – In some instances, a doctor may prescribe prednisone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. However, this is costly and comes with potential side effects.
The Problem With Traditional Laryngitis Treatments
While tea, lozenges, and hydration help ease symptoms, they don’t directly target the vocal folds and trachea—the actual source of hoarseness, cough, and throat pain.
As a scientist and clinical laryngologist for over 20 years, I found this frustrating for both myself and my patients. That’s why I developed NebulEASE—a natural, targeted nebulized mist designed to:
✅ Deliver soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredients directly to the vocal folds and trachea
✅ Help manage laryngitis symptoms more effectively
✅ Neutralize pepsin, aiding in the treatment of laryngeal reflux
✅ Optimize voice use and prevent laryngitis for professionals who rely on their voice, including teachers, singers, lawyers, actors, customer service agents, and sales associates
When to See a Doctor
If your voice issues persist for more than three weeks, it’s important to consult an ENT or laryngologist. Chronic laryngitis may simply be prolonged inflammation, but it could also signal an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment.
Take Control of Your Vocal Health
Laryngitis can be a frustrating and disruptive condition, especially for those who depend on their voice professionally. While traditional remedies offer temporary relief, targeted hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and soothing solutions like NebulEase provide a more effective approach to nurturing and protecting your voice.
If you experience frequent voice changes, vocal fatigue, or persistent throat discomfort, don’t ignore the signs—your voice is worth taking care of!
- Dr. Michael Pitman, MD