The flu is a respiratory illness. Laryngitis, inflammation of the voice box (larynx), can be a consequence of flu. The flu virus targets the respiratory tract, and the resulting immune response can extend to the vocal cords, causing them to swell. While not every flu case results in laryngitis, it is a recognized complication that can impact voice quality.
How Flu Leads to Laryngitis
Influenza viruses primarily infect cells lining the respiratory tract, from the nose down to the lungs. When the flu virus invades these cells, including those in the larynx, it triggers an immune response. The inflammation causes the delicate tissues of the vocal cords, located within the larynx, to swell. This swelling directly affects the vocal cords’ ability to vibrate properly, which is essential for producing sound. In some instances, the viral infection itself can directly damage the epithelial cells of the larynx, further contributing to the inflammation and disruption of vocal function.
Recognizing Flu-Related Laryngitis
When flu causes laryngitis, symptoms often center around the voice and throat. A common sign is hoarseness, where the voice sounds rough or croaky. In some cases, the inflammation can be so pronounced that it leads to a partial or complete loss of voice.
Alongside voice changes, a person might feel a sore or tickling sensation in their throat, accompanied by a persistent, irritating dry cough. There may also be a constant urge to clear the throat, which can further irritate the vocal cords.
These laryngeal symptoms can appear abruptly and often worsen over the first two to three days of the flu infection. While general flu symptoms like fever and body aches might resolve within a few days, the hoarseness and difficulty speaking associated with laryngitis can linger for up to a week, or even longer, after other flu symptoms have subsided.
Managing Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care
Managing flu-related laryngitis involves supportive care to reduce inflammation and rest the vocal cords. Resting the voice is recommended, and it is important to avoid whispering, which can strain the vocal cords even more than normal speech.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or clear broths, helps keep the throat moist and aids recovery. Using a humidifier can soothe a dry and irritated throat. Gargling with warm salt water may also provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort, headaches, and mild fever.
While most cases of flu-related laryngitis resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks, or if they worsen. Immediate medical care is necessary for severe difficulty breathing, a high or persistent fever, increasing pain, or if blood is coughed up. These could indicate a more serious condition or complication requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.