Why is laryngitis potentially dangerous?

Answer 1

Because the same passageway through which we produce voice sounds is that through which we breathe. In some cases of laryngitis, breathing becomes so obstructed by the swelling of the vocal cords that it is not possible to obtain sufficient oxygen; this rare result is called hypoxia from Acute Respiratory Distress Disorder. A good example of this type of laryngitis is that resulting from smoke inhalation during a structure fire. If you are ever exposed to smoke inhalation, get to the hospital ED even if you feel all right, because ARDS can develop very suddenly hours after the exposure!

About regular laryngitis: Laryngitis itself is not usually all that dangerous, if you take good care of yourself.

And it itself is not contagious, but if the condition is caused by a contagious illness, such as bronchitis, strep throat, or influenza (the flu), those can be transmitted. Sometimes, however, people can develop laryngitis just from overusing the vocal cords. In that case, it cannot be transmitted.

If you have it, you should rest your voice; do not speak if you can help it, but don't whisper because that'll actually irritate your vocal cords more. If you only have laryngitis, you probably don't need bed rest, but if you try to continue your activities and find you actually feel terrible, heed your body and rest!

Stay hydrated. Fluids are definitely important. Don't drink anything that irritates the throat!

If you have the type of laryngitis that comes from another illness, such as influenza (the flu), bronchitis, pneumonia, or strep throat, you should not only be on bed rest but under a physician's care. If you have a bacterial infection you probably need an antibiotic, but viral infections are not treatable that way.

If you have the type of simple laryngitis that comes from overuse of your voice, resting your voice and sucking on cough drops or hard candies or even Sucrets (but read the label first!) will help, plus things like popsicles and ice cream.

But one caveat: if you suddenly find you are having severe difficulty getting your breath in, and have to struggle to get enough air, go to your nearest hospital ED, because, though extremely rare, that condition would be a life-threatening emergency. Very rarely, the laryngeal tissues can swell sufficiently to block the windpipe, or, even more rarely, the epiglottis (located just above the larynx), will become inflamed too and block the breathing passage (windpipe, trachea). If you suffer from Asthma or have a very narrow windpipe, this can complicate things.

Take care of yourself and you'll soon be well.

Laryngitis can sometimes cause asphyxia. That's when you cannot get enough breath into your lungs because of the obstruction in your throat. Asphyxia can cause hypoxia, which means there's not enough oxygen in your blood to sustain your life. Only, laryngitis very, very rarely ends up doing this in modern times.

Here's the rundown: Because the same passageway through which we produce voice sounds is that through which we breathe. In some cases of laryngitis, breathing becomes so obstructed by the swelling of the vocal cords that it is not possible to obtain sufficient oxygen; this rare result is called hypoxia from Acute Respiratory Distress Disorder. A good example of this type of laryngitis is that resulting from smoke inhalation during a structure fire. If you are ever exposed to smoke inhalation, get to the hospital ED even if you feel all right, because ARDS can develop very suddenly hours after the exposure!

About regular laryngitis: Laryngitis itself is not usually all that dangerous, if you take good care of yourself.

And it itself is not contagious, but if the condition is caused by a contagious illness, such as bronchitis, strep throat, or influenza (the flu), those can be transmitted. Sometimes, however, people can develop laryngitis just from overusing the vocal cords. In that case, it cannot be transmitted.

If you have it, you should rest your voice; do not speak if you can help it, but don't whisper because that'll actually irritate your vocal cords more. If you only have laryngitis, you probably don't need bed rest, but if you try to continue your activities and find you actually feel terrible, heed your body and rest!

Stay hydrated. Fluids are definitely important. Don't drink anything that irritates the throat!

If you have the type of laryngitis that comes from another illness, such as influenza (the flu), bronchitis, pneumonia, or strep throat, you should not only be on bed rest but under a physician's care. If you have a bacterial infection you probably need an antibiotic, but viral infections are not treatable that way.

If you have the type of simple laryngitis that comes from overuse of your voice, resting your voice and sucking on cough drops or hard candies or even Sucrets (but read the label first!) will help, plus things like popsicles and ice cream.

But one caveat: if you suddenly find you are having severe difficulty getting your breath in, and have to struggle to get enough air, go to your nearest hospital ED, because, though extremely rare, that condition would be a life-threatening emergency. Very rarely, the laryngeal tissues can swell sufficiently to block the windpipe, or, even more rarely, the epiglottis (located just above the larynx), will become inflamed too and block the breathing passage (windpipe, trachea). If you suffer from asthma or have a very narrow windpipe, this can complicate things.

Take care of yourself and you'll soon be well.

Answer 2

Because the same passageway through which we produce voice sounds is that through which we breathe. In some cases of laryngitis, breathing becomes so obstructed by the swelling of the vocal cords that it is not possible to obtain sufficient oxygen; this rare result is called hypoxia from Acute Respiratory Distress Disorder. A good example of this type of laryngitis is that resulting from smoke inhalation during a structure fire. If you are ever exposed to smoke inhalation, get to the hospital ED even if you feel all right, because ARDS can develop very suddenly hours after the exposure!

About laryngitis: Laryngitis itself is not usually all that dangerous, if you take good care of yourself.

And it itself is not contagious, but if the condition is caused by a contagious illness, such as bronchitis, strep throat, or influenza (the flu), those can be transmitted. Sometimes, however, people can develop laryngitis just from overusing the vocal cords. In that case, it cannot be transmitted.

If you have it, you should rest your voice; do not speak if you can help it, but don't whisper because that'll actually irritate your vocal cords more. If you only have laryngitis, you probably don't need bed rest, but if you try to continue your activities and find you actually feel terrible, heed your body and rest!

Stay hydrated. Fluids are definitely important. Don't drink anything that irritates the throat!

If you have the type of laryngitis that comes from another illness, such as influenza (the flu), bronchitis, pneumonia, or strep throat, you should not only be on bed rest but under a physician's care. If you have a bacterial infection you probably need an antibiotic, but viral infections are not treatable that way.

If you have the type of simple laryngitis that comes from overuse of your voice, resting your voice and sucking on cough drops or hard candies or even Sucrets (but read the label first!) will help, plus things like popsicles and ice cream.

But one caveat: if you suddenly find you are having severe difficulty getting your breath in, and have to struggle to get enough air, go to your nearest hospital ED, because, though extremely rare, that condition would be a life-threatening emergency. Very rarely, the laryngeal tissues can swell sufficiently to block the windpipe, or, even more rarely, the epiglottis (located just above the larynx), will become inflamed too and block the breathing passage (windpipe, trachea). If you suffer from asthma or have a very narrow windpipe, this can complicate things.

Take care of yourself and you'll soon be well.