1. Consider Activities and Exposures
Laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx, can follow a throat infection or be due to some other irritation of the throat. Agents or activities that frequently lead to a mechanical irritation of the larynx are smoking, exposure to fumes or chemical irritants, or simple overuse of the voice. Yelling and cheering for your team at a sporting event, for example, can sometimes cause hoarseness and laryngitis the following day. Spending many hours around a campfire, inhaling chlorine fumes at a swimming pool or being exposed to other airborne irritants can also lead to irritation and inflammation of the larynx.
2. Smoking and Other Irritants Cause Chronic Laryngitis
Long-term smoking is an obvious mechanical irritant. Many lifelong smokers develop a hoarse and gravely voice over time, as the chronic exposure to smoke irritates the vocal cords and larynx. When laryngitis does not emerge suddenly following a sore throat or unusual irritant, but instead develops gradually and constantly, exposure to a chronic irritation such as smoking should be considered. Occupations that involve prolonged exposure to dust, fumes, smoke or other irritants are all capable of injuring the throat over time and leading to hoarseness and chronic laryngitis.
3. Factor In Allergies
Individuals with allergies, hay fever, chemical sensitivity, asthma or eczema may develop laryngitis suddenly. Rapid onset of upper respiratory symptoms (such as itching of the eyes, nose and throat), sneezing or profuse watery discharges from the eyes, nose and throat are typical symptoms of allergic reactivity. If laryngitis is accompanied by these symptoms, or is associated with exposure to dust, cats, perfumes or other allergens, an allergic phenomenon is likely the cause.
