What is laryngitis, and what are its most common causes?

• A. Infection of the bronchi, usually bacterial
• B. Inflammation of the larynx, often from viral infections
• C. Chronic lung condition due to environmental pollutants
• D. A throat condition caused by excessive coughing

Answer: (B)

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, the voice box that houses the vocal cords, which is why hoarseness or loss of voice is a key symptom. The most common causes are viral infections, such as those from the common cold or flu. After a viral upper respiratory infection, irritation and swelling of the vocal cords make their vibrations less effective, producing a huskier voice or voice loss. While other factors like voice overuse, irritants (smoke, dry air), or acid reflux can contribute, viruses remain the primary culprits in most cases. In contrast, infection of the bronchi would be bronchitis, a chronic lung condition due to pollutants points to something like COPD, and a throat condition from excessive coughing isn’t the correct description of laryngitis itself.