The majority of instances of laryngitis are caused by a transient viral infection and are not life-threatening. Prolonged hoarseness, on the other hand, may sometimes indicate the presence of a more severe medical problem. Here we explain how to spot laryngitis and when to get our home GP treatment for laryngitis in Costa del Sol.
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx), which may be caused by overuse, irritation, or an infection.
The vocal cords, which are two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage, are located within the larynx. Normally, your vocal chords expand and shut smoothly, creating sounds as a result of the movement and vibration of your vocal cords as they move.
Laryngitis, on the other hand, is characterized by inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords. In response, the vocal cords expand, which causes the sounds generated by air flowing over them to be distorted. As a consequence, your voice has become harsh and raspy. When you have laryngitis, your voice might become nearly imperceptible in certain circumstances.
Laryngitis may be either short-lived (acute) or long-lived (chronic) (chronic).
A virus or a mild infection is usually responsible for the symptoms of laryngitis, which last less than a couple of weeks and are caused by anything simple. Less often, the symptoms of laryngitis are brought on by anything more severe or long-lasting. The following are examples of laryngitis signs and symptoms:
The majority of acute episodes of laryngitis may be managed with simple self-care measures such as resting your voice and consuming lots of water. Using your voice in a demanding manner during an episode of acute laryngitis might cause damage to your vocal chords.
If your laryngitis symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, call our home GP to get treatment for laryngitis in Costa del Sol.
Croup, which is characterized by inflammation of the larynx and the airway right underneath it, may be the cause of these signs and symptoms. Although most cases of croup may be treated at home, severe symptoms should be seen by a medical professional. It is also possible that these symptoms suggest epiglottitis, an inflammation of the tissue that serves as a lid (epiglottis) to cover the windpipe (trachea), which may be life-threatening in both children and adults.