Laryngitis is a common ailment where symptoms can range from slight hoarseness to complete loss of voice. Viral infection, allergies, and even heartburn can all result in laryngitis, and though medical treatment is usually unnecessary, steps may be taken to ease the condition.
The larynx, or Adam’s apple, is the section of the windpipe which the vocal cords are stretched across. When the larynx becomes inflamed or irritated, the normal motion of the vocal cords is impeded, and the characteristic hoarseness or loss of voice results. The severity of laryngitis corresponds to extent of larynx inflammation. Although a viral or bacterial infection is the usual source of such inflammation, an allergy, prolonged shouting or talking, or other irritants may also be at fault.
Notably, evidence has also linked laryngitis with incidence of heartburn in some patients. A recent study found a 95.7 percent correlation between symptoms of heartburn and occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux, which is a common cause of laryngitis. In laryngopharyngeal reflux, the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally contains stomach acids within the stomach malfunctions, allowing the acids to back up into the esophagus. It is believed that the same stomach acid causing heartburn-associated discomfort may be reaching far enough to irritate the larynx, and result in laryngitis.
