The Facts
Laryngitis occurs when the part of the throat called the larynx becomes
inflamed. When this happens, it causes a severe hoarseness that can make
your voice "croak" or have to whisper when you talk. It can even lead
to temporary loss of your voice. The inflammation is very common - most people
have experienced it at one time or another - and is really a symptom that's
been caused by some other factor or condition. Yelling too enthusiastically
at a hockey game can cause it, but so can viral and bacterial infections or
other illnesses. Finding out the real cause of laryngitis is an important part
of getting your voice back. There are two types of laryngitis: acute
and chronic.