Duration of a vocal chord inflammation
The duration of vocal cord inflammation depends on the severity of the inflammation. Normally, vocal chord inflammation is harmless and lasts one to two weeks. A slight irritation or overstrain of the vocal chords can be cured within a few days if the voice is spared.
In severe cases, however, it can take several weeks until the vocal chords have healed completely and the patient can speak again without problems. Complications are also possible, which further delay the healing process. These include shortness of breath or high fever, and the transition to chronic laryngitis is also possible.
In such cases, a doctor must be selected immediately, otherwise the voice may be completely lost. The disease can also be treated with medication, which can shorten its duration, but in many cases drug therapy is not necessary. With heavy vocal cords inflammations, which last more than three weeks, however a medicamentous treatment with antibiotics must take place, since otherwise the danger exists that the illness becomes chronic.
If the disease becomes chronic, treatment is only possible to a limited extent and those affected usually suffer from persistent voice problems. The duration of the illness depends on the cause and severity of the vocal chord inflammation. In the case of an acute inflammation, the patient is put on sick leave for several days.
If healing is slow, the sick leave can be extended. If the cause of the vocal chord inflammation is an infection, the patient is put on sick leave until the infection has healed and there is no longer any danger of infection. The duration of the sick leave also depends on the profession.
People who have to speak only a little at work are more likely to return to work than people in speech-heavy professions, such as teachers or call center employees. In case of vocal cord inflammation, heavy physical work and strenuous sports should be avoided. If the cause of the illness is an infection, no sports should be done during the entire duration of the illness, as the infection can otherwise damage the heart muscle.
If mechanical irritation occurs, light sports such as yoga or a walk in the fresh air may be done. However, those affected should ensure that the vocal chords are kept warm and that cold air does not further aggravate the symptoms. In the case of vocal cord inflammation, the voice must be protected.
However, this does not mean that those affected should whisper, as this puts even more strain on the vocal chords than speaking. It is best to refrain from speaking altogether, but if necessary, speak in as normal a voice as possible. Silence should be kept as long as necessary. Usually the symptoms improve after a few days and the affected person can slowly speak normally again. However, several weeks may pass before an inflammation of the vocal cords is completely healed, and during this time the voice should not be used excessively.
