How is laryngitis diagnosed?
The health care practitioner can often diagnose laryngitis quickly at the doctor’s office. The history of upper respiratory tract infection associated with loss of voice is reinforced by the patient answering questions in a hoarse voice. The examination is often brief and limited to the ears, nose, and throat, looking for other potential causes of the cold-like symptoms. If the throat is red and there is a concern about a strep throat in addition to the laryngitis, a throat swab for a strep screen may be done. If the hoarse voice is more chronic, the health care practitioner may want to take a more detailed history, accessing reasons why the larynx and vocal cords have become inflamed for a prolonged period of time. Questions may be asked about: • Diet, use of alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and smoking, all of which may cause gastroesophageal reflux disease. Alcohol and tobacco smoking can also be directly irritating to the vocal cords. • Work and hobbies may reveal evidence of repeated
