The term “voice box” is quite misleading. As a child, you might have imagined a mechanical-looking cube in your throat responsible for all your sounds. However, the reality is far more fascinating and not box-like at all.
When people mention the “voice box,” they’re generally referring to an organ in your throat called the larynx. Although “voice box” is easier to spell, “vocal cords” is a more accurate colloquial term for your larynx. The larynx plays a crucial role in producing your unique voice.
As air travels through your trachea, the larynx makes that air vibrate, producing sound – your voice. Your lips, tongue, and other soft tissues then shape that sound into words and communication. However, the tone of your voice originates from your larynx. Sometimes, illnesses or conditions can affect your voice, making it sound raspy, thin, or faint. This is often due to laryngitis.
Understanding Voice Loss
Imagine your larynx as two flaps inside a tube. When air passes over these flaps, the air’s velocity makes them vibrate, producing sound that we recognize as your voice. This process is usually seamless, but any disruption can diminish your voice’s sound. The most common cause of such disruption is laryngitis.
However, other factors can also impair your vocal cords, such as:
- Nodules or cysts on your vocal cords
- Damage to your vocal cords
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux)
- Neurological issues
- Vocal cord paralysis
Despite these possibilities, laryngitis is typically the primary cause of a lost voice, so it’s usually the first condition your ENT will address.
What is Laryngitis?
Inflammation is a primary defense mechanism of your body and can occur for various reasons. Laryngitis happens when your vocal cords become inflamed, hindering the normal function of your larynx. When inflamed, the vocal cords can’t vibrate correctly, so the air passing through your trachea fails to produce sound, resulting in a loss of voice.
Laryngitis can stem from injury or illness. The causes and symptoms of laryngitis depend on its type, which falls into two main categories.
Acute Laryngitis
The most prevalent form is acute laryngitis, which usually resolves within a few weeks. This condition often follows other infections or illnesses such as:
- Influenza
- The common cold
- Sinus infections
- Bronchitis
Symptoms of acute laryngitis typically last from a few days to a few weeks. With adequate rest, the symptoms usually dissipate, and your voice returns to normal.
Chronic Laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis, on the other hand, persists beyond a few weeks, sometimes for months or longer. Causes of chronic laryngitis include:
- Exposure to irritants like chemicals
- Overusing your voice (excessive screaming, yelling, cheering, singing, etc.)
- Smoking, including vaping
- Irritation from medications
- Throat injuries
- Chronic infections and diseases
Treatment for chronic laryngitis depends on its underlying cause. If left untreated, it can damage the vocal cords or lead to the development of polyps or nodules on the larynx. If your laryngitis persists for more than three weeks or if the discomfort is unbearable, it’s essential to see an ENT specialist.
Treatment of Laryngitis
Most laryngitis cases can be treated at home, and symptoms usually improve within a few days to a few weeks without special interventions. Home remedies aim to alleviate symptoms and improve comfort. Common remedies include:
- Resting your voice
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Using a humidifier
- Avoiding decongestants, as they can dry out your throat
- Gargling warm salt water to reduce inflammation
If home remedies don’t work, your ENT might recommend medical treatments, such as:
- Antibiotics: Rarely used, as laryngitis is seldom caused by bacterial infections.
- Corticosteroids: Used short-term to reduce swelling if you urgently need to speak.
- Voice therapy: Helps those with chronic laryngitis learn ways to speak without straining their vocal cords.
Your voice will almost always return once the underlying cause is addressed, often resolved by your immune system. Taking care of your voice is essential, so if you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your ENT specialist.
