Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box).Symptoms often include a hoarse voice and may include fever, cough, pain in the front of the neck, and trouble swallowing. Typically, these last under two weeks.Encyclopedia Entry for Laryngitis :Laryngitis. The voice box (larynx) is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness. Sometimes, the airway can get blocked. The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by: Allergies Bacterial infection Bronchitis Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Injury Irritants and chemicals Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection , which is typically caused by a virus. Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include: Croup Epiglottitis.Symptoms may include: Fever Hoarseness Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck.A physical exam can find whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection. People with hoarseness that lasts more than a month (especially smokers) will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). Tests of the throat and upper airway will be done.Common laryngitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics likely will not help. Your health care provider will make this decision. Resting your voice helps to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain medicines may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition often gets better on its own.In rare cases, severe respiratory distress develops. This requires immediate medical attention.Call your provider if: A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult.To prevent getting laryngitis: Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season. Wash your hands often. DO NOT strain your voice. Stop smoking. This can help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which can lead to hoarseness.Hoarseness - laryngitis.Throat anatomy Throat anatomy.Allen CT, Merati AL. Acute and chronic laryngitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Laryngitis :Laryngitis. Can be caused by measles, mumps, varicella Zoster and candida or aspergillosis infections.Information from Marcello Allegretti.