About Us | Privacy | Site Map
Font Size
A
A
A


Laryngitis

Laryngitis Overview

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. Most of the causes of laryngitis, such as common viruses or using your voice too much, are not serious. A few causes, however, require medical attention.



Next: Laryngitis Causes »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Laryngitis

Sore Throat Overview

Sore throats are usually named for the anatomical site affected.

  • Pharyngitis: The pharynx, the area of your throat directly behind your mouth and soft palate, is a common hallway for food, liquids, and air. Swallowing safely delivers solids and liquids to the stomach through the esophagus. Pharyngitis is pain and inflammation of the pharynx.
  • Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis typically involves inflammation of the tonsils (tonsils are located on either side of the base of the tongue).
  • Laryngitis: The larynx, the top portion of your windpipe (trachea), has an important gatekeeper function. It allows passage of air in and out of the lungs (through the trachea), but bars the entry of solids and liquids. Sound production at the vocal cords is an important side job of the larynx. Laryngitis is pain and inflammation of the larynx (often associated with a hoars...

Read the Sore Throat article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Acute Laryngitis »

Laryngitis is one of the most common conditions identified in the larynx.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary