Laryngitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx). It can be caused by overuse (as when a person screams at sport events), by irritants (such as smoke, dust, or fumes) or by an infection (usually a viral infection, such as the one causing the common cold or the flu). Symptoms typically include hoarseness, a sore throat, and a cough. Laryngitis is usually treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers.