Acute Laryngitis:
The most common causes of Laryngitis is a viral infection, from colds or the flu.
Infection can be:
- Viral: Rhinovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, coxsackie, coronavirus.
- Bacterial: group A streptococcus, streptococcus pneumonia, C. diphtheria, M. catarrhalis, H. influenzae, bordetella, pertussis.
- Fungal: Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Cryptococcus, Coccidioides, Candidiasis in immunocompromised individuals
- Over Use/Misuse of Voice: Laryngitis from over use of voice can be sudden in onset or an ongoing problem. This is another significant factor in causes of laryngitis.
Chronic Laryngitis:
Chronic hoarseness can occur in many different ways that are unrelated to laryngitis.
Not all hoarseness occurs as a result of an infection or laryngitis. This can also vary from the serious to those not so serious.
Other potential causes of laryngitis of chronic type:
- Acid reflux – GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Excessive Coughing
- Excessive smoking or consumption of alcohol
- Overuse or Misuse of the voice like excess talking, singing or shouting, talking too loudly.
- Prolonged use of Corticosteroid Therapy
- Thermal or chemical burns
- Laryngeal trauma-endotracheal intubation
- Irritation due to allergens ,chemical inhalation, and exposure to chemicals , toxic fumes
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Obstruction: Abnormal growths – polyps , tumors
These are important causes of laryngitis.
