Is Laryngitis Contagious?

There are both infectious and noninfectious causes of laryngitis.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (the voice box that contains the vocal cords).

• In laryngitis, the vocal cords that are responsible for sounds made by the voice become inflamed and possibly swollen, which results in a voice change that may sound hoarse, raspy, or low volume; so that others can hardly hear what you say.
• Laryngitis may be acute or chronic, although most cases are acute and not serious.

There are both infectious and noninfectious causes of laryngitis.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which can lead to hoarseness or loss of voice. The causes of laryngitis are varied and include infectious, environmental, and other medical factors.

Here are the potential causes of laryngitis:

Viral infections

• The most common cause of laryngitis, particularly acute laryngitis, is a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, or other respiratory viruses.
• These infections lead to inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords, which results in hoarseness or loss of voice.

Bacterial infections

• Less commonly, laryngitis can be caused by bacterial infections. Streptococcus, Hemophilus influenzae, and other bacteria can infect the larynx, especially if the immune system is compromised.
• These infections may require specific treatments such as antibiotics to address the underlying bacterial cause.

Fungal infections

• Fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida species, can cause laryngitis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
• They can lead to inflammation of the vocal cords and affect voice quality.

Allergies

• Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, mold, and other allergens can cause inflammation and swelling in the larynx, leading to hoarseness, itchy throat, runny nose, and sneezing.

Exposure to environmental irritants

• Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, dust, or smoke can irritate the larynx and cause inflammation, which may lead to hoarseness, throat discomfort, and coughing. Symptoms may persist with continued exposure.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• GERD can cause laryngitis when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the larynx. This condition is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
• Symptoms may include hoarseness, throat clearing, cough, sensation of a lump in the throat.

Autoimmune disorders

• Autoimmune disorders such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or pemphigoid/pemphigus can lead to inflammation of the vocal folds and result in laryngitis.

Smoking

• Tobacco smoke irritates the vocal cords and can lead to chronic laryngitis leading to persistent hoarseness, cough, and throat irritation.
• Long-term exposure increases the risk of developing more serious conditions, such as laryngeal cancer.

Alcohol consumption

• Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat and vocal cords, leading to laryngitis.
• Symptoms such as hoarseness, dry throat, irritation can become chronic with regular heavy drinking.

Tumors or growths

• Benign or malignant growths on the vocal cords, such as polyps, nodules, or laryngeal cancer, can cause laryngitis.
• Symptoms may include persistent hoarseness, throat pain, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.

Vocal cord paralysis

• Damage to the nerves that control the vocal cords, due to surgery, injury, or a neurological disorder, can result in laryngitis. Symptoms may include hoarseness, breathy voice, and difficulty swallowing.

Stress and psychological factors

• These factors can lead to muscle tension dysphonia, where tension in the muscles around the larynx causes hoarseness and voice changes.

Overuse of the voice

• Poor vocal hygiene and misuse or overuse of voice can result in laryngitis. This includes activities such as yelling, singing loudly, or speaking for extended periods without proper vocal care.

Inhaled irritants

• Exposure to irritants such as smoke, vaping, or inhaled medications can contribute to laryngitis. These substances can irritate the vocal cords and lead to inflammation.

Acute laryngitis usually resolves on its own within a few weeks, while chronic laryngitis requires addressing the underlying cause. If you experience persistent symptoms, seek medical attention.

Besides hoarseness, other symptoms of laryngitis are voice changes such as a weak voice or loss of voice.

Other laryngitis symptoms include

• a raw or irritated feeling in your throat,
• sore throat,
• throat seems to be dry,
• a tickling sensation in the throat, or
• dry cough.

A doctor can diagnose laryngitis by the patient's history and physical exam. Chronic, severe, or recurrent laryngitis may require that the larynx be visualized by a specialist who will likely use an endoscope to visualize the vocal cords. Infrequently, a biopsy of laryngeal tissue may be done.

Is laryngitis spreadable? Contagious causes of laryngitis (mainly viruses, but potentially, bacteria and fungi) are usually spread from person to person; however, the spread or transfer of the bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause laryngitis is not particularly effective. If laryngitis is contagious, coughing, sneezing, and saliva are the likely ways it is spread to others.

Not all cases of laryngitis are contagious. It is contagious only when caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. However, the symptoms of contagious and noncontagious laryngitis can overlap. So, it can be tough to distinguish them based solely on symptoms.

Both types of laryngitis may have symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, and difficulty speaking. However, contagious laryngitis may cause additional symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose, which can spread the virus or bacteria to others.

To confirm the underlying cause and contagiousness of the condition, consult a health care professional.

Should I stay home if I have laryngitis?

If you know that an infection is the reason for your laryngitis, it’s advisable to stay home instead of going to work or school if you can. This reduces the chances of infecting others and gives you more time to rest. Frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizers, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of laryngitis, regardless of the cause.

How long is a person contagious with laryngitis?

The duration of contagiousness for laryngitis varies depending on whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or fungal.

• Viral laryngitis: Generally, people with viral laryngitis are most contagious when they are experiencing symptoms, especially in the first few days. This can last around 7-10 days.
• Bacterial laryngitis: People with bacterial laryngitis are contagious as long as they have symptoms and until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24-48 hours.
• Fungal laryngitis: Fungal laryngitis is less common and usually not contagious like viral or bacterial infections. It typically occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems.

If you suspect you have laryngitis, it's best to consult a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. They can also provide guidance on how long you might be contagious based on your specific situation.

Usually, a person with laryngitis (acute or chronic) is cured when their voice returns to normal. This usually occurs within two weeks in people with acute laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis may take a much longer time for the voice to return to normal. If the vocal cords have been seriously damaged, the voice may never return to normal.

The duration of laryngitis can vary based on its cause, the individual's overall health, and the treatment approach. If the underlying cause of laryngitis is treated effectively, the symptoms may resolve more quickly. Additionally, factors such as age, overall health, and lifestyle can also impact the duration of laryngitis.

Types of laryngitis and duration

Acute laryngitis

• Cause: Often caused by viral infections (such as the common cold), bacterial infections, overuse of the voice (such as shouting or singing), or irritants (such as smoke, chemicals).
• Duration: Typically lasts about one to three weeks.
• Symptoms: Sudden onset of hoarseness, loss of voice, sore throat, dry cough, and sometimes fever.
• Treatment: Resting the voice, staying hydrated, using humidifiers, and possibly medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics (if bacterial).

Chronic laryngitis

• Cause: Persistent irritants (such as smoking, alcohol, acid reflux, or allergens), chronic sinusitis, or overuse of the voice over a long period. Rare causes such as tumor or growths and autoimmune disorders can also cause chronic laryngitis.
• Duration: Lasts longer than three weeks, potentially lasting several months or longer if the underlying cause is not addressed.
• Symptoms: Persistent hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat, chronic cough, and throat discomfort.
• Treatment: Addressing the underlying cause such as quitting smoking, treating acid reflux, voice therapy, and avoiding irritants.

Acute laryngitis typically resolves within one to three weeks, while chronic laryngitis can persist for months and requires addressing underlying causes for resolution. Proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments are key to managing and reducing the duration of laryngitis.

The fastest way to cure laryngitis is by resting your voice. It's essential to give your voice box time to heal by avoiding activities that strain it and following home remedies that promote healing. Avoid speaking, whispering, or singing, as these activities can further irritate your vocal cords. Additionally, using a humidifier, drinking warm beverages, and gargling with warm salt water can help soothe your throat and aid in the recovery process.

Laryngitis often resolves on its own within a week or two; however, consult a health care provider for personalized advice and treatment options.

Laryngitis caused mainly by viruses, vocal overuse, or strain, usually goes away without the need to contact a health care professional. However, you should seek medical attention if you have any of the following:

• coughing up blood
• constant fever
• increasing pain in the throat
• trouble swallowing
• trouble breathing
• high-pitched breathing sounds (stridor)
• drooling

Chronic laryngitis may indicate other underlying causes of laryngitis (extreme overuse, or cancer, for example), and anyone with chronic laryngitis should see a health care professional.