Introduction
There are two forms of vocal cord inflammation (lat. Laryngitis): On the one hand there is an acute and on the other hand a chronic (permanent) vocal chord inflammation. An acute vocal chord inflammation is shorter in duration and generally has a good prognosis.
The duration of chronic vocal chord inflammation is rather long. Furthermore, this form is sometimes accompanied by permanent functional disorders. The main symptom of chronic and acute laryngitis is hoarseness.
Causes
The acute form is very common and is usually caused by viruses. In rare cases, however, it can also be caused by bacteria. The chronic form of vocal chord inflammation can in turn develop from acute laryngitis, under the influence of noxious substances such as nicotine, asbestos, chromium or nickel, or from chronic inflammation of the pulmonary bronchi or paranasal sinuses.
How long does an inflammation of the vocal cords last?
The duration of an inflammation of the vocal cords depends on the cause and can vary greatly. Acute vocal chord inflammation can last up to three weeks. Depending on the cause of the acute vocal chord inflammation, the duration of the inflammation can vary.
For example, in the case of a virus-induced vocal chord inflammation, the time required for healing is generally shorter. If the inflammation is caused by bacteria, the time until healing can take several weeks. The healing time also depends on how gently the voice is treated.
If the patient spares the vocal chords during the illness and if a sensible or correct treatment is started in time, the duration of the vocal chord inflammation can be shortened. A chronic inflammation of the vocal cords can last from several weeks to months. This can be the case if the vocal chords are not sufficiently protected and therefore there is no healing.
Even with inadequate treatment, the duration of chronic vocal chord inflammation can be prolonged. In most cases, there is also renewed inflammation of the vocal chords at short intervals. As chronic vocal cord inflammation is often triggered by noxious substances such as nicotine, repeated inflammation can occur in the absence of abstinence.
It is therefore important to avoid the noxious agents that cause the inflammation. Furthermore, a permanent disturbance of the voice can occur. This can lead to a hoarse, rough or breathy voice, for example.
How do you shorten the duration of a vocal chord inflammation?
The important thing is to save your voice. Therefore, as little as possible should be spoken. When speaking, you should speak at a normal volume and not whisper, as this puts more strain on the vocal chords.
It is also important to avoid stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine during acute vocal cord inflammation. These can intensify the inflammation and also promote the transition to chronic vocal chord inflammation. In the case of chronic vocal chord inflammation, smoking should be consistently avoided.
Passive smoke should also be avoided at all costs. As acute vocal chord inflammation is often a viral or bacterial infection, not only the voice but the body in general should be spared. This gives the body the opportunity to fight the infection. It is also important to drink a lot to moisten the mucous membranes and speed up healing. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- Home remedies for vocal chord inflammation
- Quitting smoking – tips
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