Laryngitis is a condition that involves your voice box or larynx. Your larynx is what you use to speak, shout, sing and whisper. However, laryngitis occurs when the larynx changes shape and alters the way that it sits on the vocal chords. The cause of laryngitis is inflammation to the larynx, which often results in you losing your ability to talk. Your voice becomes horse and it becomes painful to speak. Since laryngitis involves your larynx, is it possible to spread this condition to others? The answer simply depends on the type of laryngitis that you have. Not all laryngitis is the same.
Is Laryngitis Contagious?
Answering this question is not exactly easy. Some types of laryngitis can be contagious if they are caused by an upper respiratory infection. An upper respiratory infection is classified as viral and viral infections can be passed from one person to another through aerosol droplets. However, there are ways to make laryngitis less contagious.
Proper Diagnosis Is Important?
When you have laryngitis, it is always recommended that you obtain a proper diagnosis. This will ensure that you learn the cause of your laryngitis and can see if you have an upper respiratory infection. This will inform you if your laryngitis is contagious or not. Your laryngitis can be diagnosed rather quickly in most physician’s offices. The examination that is needed is normally very short and your doctor simply takes a look at your nose, throat and ears. In some cases your doctor will run additional tests to ensure that you do not have any other infections. Some individuals with laryngitis also have strep throat and this should be diagnosed as well.
What Causes An Upper Respiratory Infection?
If you an upper respiratory infection is the cause of your laryngitis, you are contagious. It is important to note that an upper respiratory infection is caused by a cold that is passed from one person to another. This virus is what causes the inflammation within your larynx. This means that you could pass this infection along to others. However, you can minimize the spread of laryngitis by simply covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands regularly. This will help to eliminate some of the spread of your infection.
Find Out If You Are Contagious
The only way to keep from infecting others is to have your laryngitis diagnosed by your doctor. This will enable you to find out the cause of your condition and allow you to know if you are contagious or not.
