Why is the illness that causes you to lose your voice called laryngitis?

Answer 1

It's called that because the larynx is the "voice box" -- the vocal chords that produce sound. Laryngitis inflames it in one of two ways: via infection of some sort, or from overuse of the voice. In the latter case, since no fever or illness is present, it is simply necessary to rest your voice. But in the former, much more common case of getting laryngitis from another illness, take it seriously, see a doctor, and stay in bed. You may need antibiotics. Signs of bilateral viral pneumonia should be considered a medical emergency because it's almost always lethal.

Acid reflux (erosive GERD) can also cause laryngitis.

Rarely, a person with laryngitis can asphyxiate to death because the windpipe is obstructed completely by the swelling in the mucous membranes in the throat. To prevent this, a breathing tube may be inserted; if it has already happened, a tracheostomy is required.