Can a doctor treat laryngitis on Laso MD?

Certainly. In most instances, a Laso MD doctor will be able to provide a laryngitis diagnosis by assessing your condition and discussing your symptoms.

If you are dealing with chronic or recurrent laryngitis, or if there is a suspicion of an underlying condition, your doctor may recommend an in-person visit to a clinic for a laryngoscopy. This procedure involves using a small device or a light along with a mirror to examine your vocal cord area.

If the doctor suspects bacterial involvement in your laryngitis, they may also collect a mucus sample for laboratory evaluation.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Absolutely. Our Laso MD physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Upon accepting the prescription, you can choose to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra charge.

 

What is laryngitis?

Within the larynx, two folds of mucous membrane cover muscles and cartilage known as vocal cords. The sounds produced during speech are a result of the movement and vibrations of these vocal cords, which normally open and close smoothly. However, laryngitis occurs when the larynx becomes inflamed or irritated, altering the airflow through the vocal cords and their vibrational patterns.

Depending on the severity of the condition, these changes can affect the vocal cords in various ways, ranging from hoarseness to a complete loss of voice.

 

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

Common symptoms of laryngitis include:

• Sore or dry throat
• Dry cough
• Weak voice
• Voice loss
• Irritation or pain when speaking
• Hoarseness

These symptoms are typically considered normal and not cause for alarm. However, seeking medical attention is advisable if you experience:

• Severe throat pain
• Difficulty or inability to swallow
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent fever

In addition, children may exhibit additional symptoms, such as:

• Excessive drooling
• Noisy or high-pitched sounds during inhalation
• A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher

If a child presents any of the more severe laryngitis symptoms, immediate medical attention is recommended.

 

What leads to laryngitis?

The primary causes of laryngitis include:

1. Inflammation
2. Irritation
3. Infection

Laryngitis manifests in two forms: acute and chronic. The specific type you are experiencing aids your doctor in pinpointing the direct cause of the condition.

Acute laryngitis is commonly triggered by viral infections or the strain and overuse of vocal cords.

Chronic laryngitis is characterized by laryngitis persisting for more than three consecutive weeks. Various factors contribute to chronic laryngitis, such as:

• Smoking
• Prolonged vocal cord strain
• Chronic sinusitis
• Acid reflux
• Inhalation of irritants like chemicals or allergens
• Alcoholism
• Fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections
• Vocal cord paralysis, often resulting from injury or stroke
• Bowing vocal cords due to aging
• Cancer

 

How is laryngitis treated?

The recommended laryngitis treatment from your Laso MD doctor will depend on their assessment of the underlying cause of your condition.

For acute cases of laryngitis, rest and self-care measures are typically advised, with symptoms usually clearing up within a week or so. Prescription medications are generally unnecessary, though over-the-counter sore throat lozenges may help alleviate certain symptoms.

If the doctor identifies laryngitis as a potential symptom of an underlying condition or habit, such as smoking, they may provide recommendations to address those issues and alleviate laryngitis symptoms.

For children with laryngitis due to croup or cases requiring urgent reduction of vocal cord inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce swelling.

 

Is laryngitis contagious?

In most cases, acute laryngitis caused by overuse or viral infections is not contagious. However, laryngitis can be contagious if it results from a bacterial or fungal infection, as droplets released during coughing or sneezing can spread the condition.

 

What is the difference between laryngitis and pharyngitis?

Both laryngitis and pharyngitis involve inflammation, with laryngitis affecting the vocal cords and pharyngitis affecting the back of the throat (pharynx). While they share similar symptoms and recovery periods, the primary difference lies in the affected areas.

 

What is the difference between laryngitis and strep throat?

Laryngitis, often caused by overuse or viral infections, can occasionally be triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat (group A Streptococcus). Strep throat can affect the entire upper respiratory tract, while laryngitis is limited to the larynx.

 

Does laryngitis hurt?

Yes, laryngitis can cause discomfort, typically manifesting as a sore throat or irritation around the vocal cords. While pain is usually mild, more intense pain may occur in severe cases, especially if the laryngitis is caused by a severe infection.

 

How long does laryngitis last?

Acute laryngitis typically has a recovery time of about a week, with rest for the vocal cords being crucial for healing. Laryngitis linked to underlying conditions or habits may take longer to heal, depending on how promptly those conditions are identified and treated.

 

Can laryngitis cause shortness of breath?

In severe cases, laryngitis can lead to difficulty breathing, resulting in shortness of breath. Avoiding physically demanding activities until laryngitis symptoms improve can help prevent this.

 

Can laryngitis cause bronchitis?

While bronchitis is often caused by viral infections or smoking, laryngitis can be a symptom if an upper respiratory infection is already present.

 

What is Laso MD?

At Laso MD, you can initiate a conversation with a doctor about your symptoms within minutes. We offer a healthcare platform providing swift and convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Just log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll seamlessly connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. For additional details, explore our How It Works page.

Our doctors are equipped to assess your symptoms and deliver necessary treatments, including prescriptions as required.