Inflammation of the vocal cords and laryngeal pain: causes

The voice is the sound produced by air passing from the lungs through the larynx. Inside the larynx are the vocal cords, two muscular folds that vibrate and create sound. When they become inflamed or swollen, the voice becomes hoarse and pain appears in the larynx.

What the larynx and vocal cords are

The larynx, or voice apparatus, is the organ through which air passes from the lungs to the trachea. Each person's voice is unique, like a fingerprint.

Many everyday habits damage the vocal cords: talking for too long, shouting, constant throat clearing, smoking. This is how hoarseness, nodules, polyps and damage to the vocal cords develop.

Inflammation of the vocal cords: causes and symptoms

Laryngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, usually associated with a cold or infections such as measles, scarlet fever, and whooping cough. Its development is promoted by exposure to cold, overheating, mouth breathing, dusty air, vocal strain, injuries, and nodules and polyps on the vocal cords.

The main signs: hoarseness up to loss of voice, dryness and tickling in the throat, a dry barking cough, and a constant urge to clear the throat. In children, a temperature of 38 °C and above, refusal to eat and drink, and rarely difficulty breathing are possible. Laryngitis is often associated with colds and flu, so other symptoms are added to it.

Acute laryngitis, if the regimen is followed, usually lasts 7–10 days. Chronic laryngitis develops when the causes of the acute inflammation are not eliminated.

Why the larynx hurts when swallowing and coughing

Pain in the larynx when swallowing appears when inflammation involves the epiglottis or the posterior wall of the larynx. A dry barking cough irritates the mucous membrane, and prolonged throat clearing itself maintains inflammation of the vocal cords.

In laryngotracheitis, inflammation spreads to the initial sections of the trachea, the cough becomes stronger and is accompanied by sputum. Hoarseness may be associated both with vocal strain and with infection; the cause is determined by a doctor.

Laryngeal paresis: what it is

Paresis (paralysis) of the vocal cords belongs to the diseases in which the vocal cords stop moving normally; as one of the causes of voice disorders, it is named among the diseases that paralyze the vocal cords. Among the causes of voice disorders are infections, acid reflux from the stomach into the throat, viral growths, and cancer.

Signs of an unhealthy voice: hoarseness or raspiness, loss of the ability to hit high notes, a suddenly lower voice, a feeling of dryness and tension in the throat, speaking with effort. Most voice problems are successfully treated with early diagnosis.

Papilloma in the throat: what it is and why it matters

A papilloma in the throat is a growth caused by a virus; in the larynx it is called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Such viral formations are included in the list of causes of persistent hoarseness and voice changes.

Viral growths are among the causes of voice disorders; they are assessed by a doctor. Early detection improves the prognosis for most laryngeal diseases.

How laryngeal diseases are diagnosed and when a doctor is needed

The doctor examines the throat using a small mirror, may take a swab with a cotton swab from the pharyngeal wall, order a blood test, and refer to an otorhinolaryngologist. Laryngoscopy is used to examine the larynx.

• Hoarseness or pain in the larynx does not go away for more than 2 weeks.
• Laryngitis or voice problems recur.
• The voice has become hoarse or suddenly lower, and it is difficult to sing high notes.
• The throat often feels dry and tense, and speaking requires effort.

Inflammation of the vocal cords by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if a person, especially a child, has difficulty breathing.

This material is for reference: it explains the causes and the bounds of normality, but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer