There are two forms of vocal cord inflammation (Latin laryngitis) differentiated: On the one hand there is an acute and on the other hand a chronic (permanent) inflammation of the vocal cords.
Acute vocal cord inflammation is shorter in duration and generally has a good prognosis. The duration of chronic inflammation of the vocal cords is rather tedious. In addition, this form is sometimes associated with permanent functional disorders.
The main symptom of chronic and acute laryngitis is hoarseness.
The acute form is very common and is usually caused by viruses. In rare cases, however, it can also be bacterial.
The chronic form of vocal cord inflammation can in turn develop from acute laryngitis, when exposed to toxic substances such as nicotine, asbestos, chromium or nickel or from chronic inflammation of the lung bronchi or sinuses.
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The duration of a vocal cord inflammation depends on the cause and can vary widely.
Acute vocal cord inflammation can last up to three weeks. Depending on the underlying cause of the acute inflammation of the vocal cords, the duration of this can vary.
The time it takes for a virus-induced vocal cord inflammation to heal is usually shorter. If the inflammation is caused by bacteria, it can take several weeks to heal.
The healing time also depends on how gentle the voice is. If the patient spares the vocal cords during the illness and if sensible or correct treatment is started in good time, the duration of the vocal cord inflammation can be shortened.
Chronic vocal cord inflammation can last for weeks to months. This can be the case if the vocal cords are not adequately spared and therefore healing does not take place. Even with inadequate treatment, the duration of chronic inflammation of the vocal cords can increase. In most cases, there is also renewed inflammation of the vocal cords at short intervals.
Since chronic inflammation of the vocal cords is often triggered by noxious substances such as nicotine, if there is no abstinence, recurring inflammations can occur. It is therefore important to urgently avoid the triggering noxa.
Furthermore, a permanent disturbance of the voice can set in. This can lead to hoarse, rough or breathy voice training.
Find out more about the topic here: Inflammation of the vocal cords.
It is important to spare your voice. Therefore, as little as possible should be spoken. When speaking, speak at a normal volume, not whisper, as this puts more strain on the vocal cords.
It is also important that stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine are avoided during acute vocal cord inflammation. These can intensify the inflammation and also promote the transition to chronic inflammation of the vocal cords.
In the case of chronic inflammation of the vocal cords, smoking should be avoided. Passive smoke should also be avoided at all costs.
Since acute vocal cord inflammation is often a viral or bacterial infection, not only the voice but the body in general should be spared. This gives the body a chance to fight the infection. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to moisturize the mucous membranes and speed healing.
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The protection of the voice is particularly important in acute laryngitis (cephalitis). It is very important that those affected do not clear their throat. Whispering should also be avoided, as this puts even more mechanical stress on the vocal folds, which are already stressed.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundThe vocal rest or sparing should definitely take place for the first week. In some cases, the voice should even be spared longer. It is important to keep your voice calm in order to avoid late effects.
Read more about the topic here: Laryngitis.
The duration of the symptoms can also vary and, like the inflammation of the vocal cords, depends on how gentle the voice is and the therapy. Thus, the regression of the symptoms is normally possible after days up to two weeks, but it can also take a long time up to months.
Especially if the voice is not spared or the vocal cords are exposed to noxae such as nicotine even during the inflammation, prolonged disturbances in voice formation such as hoarseness can occur.
In some cases, therapy with a speech therapist must then be considered, whereby exercises can help restore normal voice function.
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Sick leave is especially important for patients who work in professions where there is a lot of talk (e.g. teachers). Therefore, the sick leave should be at least two weeks so that the vocal cords can recover completely.
In professions in which speaking is not absolutely necessary, patients can go back to work earlier. However, this only if the general condition allows it, because in addition to hoarseness, the infection can lead to fever, sore throat, runny nose, dry cough and other signs of an infection of the upper or lower respiratory tract.
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The risk of infection varies depending on which pathogen caused the infection and thus the inflammation of the vocal cords.
In most cases, the infected person is contagious before the first symptoms and, depending on the pathogen, can be contagious for several days after the symptoms have subsided. In the case of an immune deficiency, virus particles can even be excreted for several weeks and thus infect others.
Also read the article: Vocal cord inflammation - symptoms.
