At first, you might notice a weird, dry cough.  As the coughing continues, you notice a raspiness in your voice.  Then your voice is gone, completely.

Laryngitis is the inflammation of your voice box (larynx) that may cause your voice to sound hoarse or raspy.  Besides vocal weakness or loss of voice, you might experience a tickle in your throat, a dry cough, nasal congestion, and difficulty or pain swallowing.

Laryngitis is the inflammation of your voice box (larynx) that may cause your voice to sound hoarse or raspy.  Besides vocal weakness or loss of voice, you might experience a tickle in your throat, a dry cough, nasal congestion, and difficulty or pain swallowing.

There are two types of laryngitis.  Acute laryngitis is mild and can last anywhere from a few days to no more than a couple of weeks.  Chronic laryngitis is more severe and lasts longer than three weeks and sometimes months.

What causes laryngitis?  The most common cause of laryngitis is viral infections such as the common cold or the flu.  Causes of acute laryngitis can be a viral infection or vocal strains.  Individuals who are exposed to irritants such as chemical fumes and smoke may experience symptoms of chronic laryngitis.

Mild cases of laryngitis can be treatable at home by simply resting your voice and drinking plenty of fluids.  Experiencing severe symptoms of laryngitis for an extended period of time may lead you to seek medical attention.  Skip the wait of the ER and see a physician at AFC Urgent Care Portland.  We can examine your lungs to determine if you have laryngitis and provide you with the medical help you need to get you feeling better sooner.  For more information on the services we provide, call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 781.648.4572.