What Causes Laryngitis?

"Losing your voice" to laryngitis is rarely a serious problem, but it can still be inconvenient and annoying. Laryngitis is a result of swelling in the larynx, or voice box -- particularly of the vocal chords, which vibrate to produce an individual's voice. If the vocal chords become inflamed, they can no longer vibrate normally, and an individual's voice becomes hoarse, high-pitched, or distorted. In severe cases, the chords are so swollen they can't move at all, leaving someone unable to speak. Depending on the cause, laryngitis can be accompanied by soreness or dryness of the throat, coughing, and possibly fever. Laryngitis usually clears up within a week or two with proper treatment for the underlying cause.