Laryngitis occurs when the larynx, or voice box, becomes inflamed due to infection, overuse, or irritation.
The main causes of laryngitis change depending on whether the condition is short-term or long-term. Short-term (acute) laryngitis usually doesn’t last long. It often starts from a virus, much like the common cold or flu. These viruses irritate the upper airway and lead to swelling in the larynx. The immune system reacts and causes the vocal cords to swell. This results in hoarseness or even complete loss of voice. In most cases, this type of laryngitis clears up in less than two weeks. Usually, rest and drinking fluids are enough.
Infections and Vocal Strain
Though less common than viruses, bacteria can also cause laryngitis. These infections tend to be more serious. People may have a fever, swollen glands, or pus near the voice box. Children are especially at risk. They may also have other illnesses like croup or epiglottitis at the same time. These cases need quick medical care to stop problems with breathing or other serious issues.
Another major cause of laryngitis is straining the voice. People who speak a lot for work—such as teachers, singers, call centre staff, or public speakers—face a higher risk. Shouting or speaking loudly for long stretches can hurt the vocal cords. Without rest, this damage can build up. It may lead to chronic laryngitis over time.
Environmental Irritants and Lifestyle Triggers
Breathing in harmful stuff is one of the biggest causes of laryngitis, especially when it lasts a long time. Smoking is one of the worst habits for your voice. Smoke harms the throat, causes constant swelling, and slows healing. Even breathing in second-hand smoke can do harm. This is especially true for kids or people with breathing issues. Smokers may notice hoarseness all the time. This may be due to laryngitis, but it could also be a sign of something worse, like growths or cancer on the vocal cords.
Alcohol and caffeine can dry out the throat, which makes it easier to hurt the vocal cords—even when speaking normally. Besides that, chemical fumes, dust, or allergens at work or home can slowly inflame the larynx. People who work in factories, building sites, or places with poor air often breathe in things that make this worse.
Digestive and Immune-Related Causes of Laryngitis
One often missed but growing cause of laryngitis is acid reflux, also called GORD. In this condition, stomach acid rises up into the food pipe and reaches the voice box. This is even more common at night when lying down. Known as LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux), this problem leads to a hoarse voice in the morning, frequent throat clearing, or a lump-like feeling in the throat. LPR often happens without heartburn, which makes it harder to catch. That’s why many people need help from a specialist to figure it out.
Allergies and postnasal drip can also swell the vocal cords. People with allergies may keep coughing or clearing their throat. This makes the larynx sore. These issues happen often during allergy seasons or from things like pet dander, dust mites, or mould inside the house.
In rare cases, the immune system itself may attack the voice box. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause long-term swelling in the vocal cords. These are uncommon, but they matter when other body symptoms are present. Some nerve disorders can also affect how the vocal cords move, causing signs that look like laryngitis but come from a different problem.
Other Causes and Special Considerations
Some people, especially those with weak immune systems or asthma, can get fungal infections in the larynx. This happens more often if they use inhaled steroids. Fungal laryngitis can look like regular laryngitis at first, so a proper check by a specialist is needed. These cases usually need antifungal medicine to clear up.
Kids can also get laryngitis often. This may be due to repeated viral infections or loud shouting while playing. In some rare cases, a condition called laryngeal papillomatosis—caused by the HPV virus—can lead to lasting voice changes. These children need an ENT specialist to check for problems with the structure of the voice box.
To wrap up, the causes of laryngitis range from common viruses and voice overuse to smoke, reflux, and other hidden conditions. Finding out the exact cause is key to choosing the right treatment and avoiding future flare-ups. While short-term cases usually heal with rest and fluids, chronic laryngitis needs a wider approach. This might include lifestyle changes, medicine, and care from a specialist.
