Is laryngitis contagious?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on April 20, 2025

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Laryngitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the throat, especially the vocal cords. Clinically, it is mainly caused by bacterial infection or long-term excessive misuse of the voice. For bacterial infections or mixed infections of bacteria and viruses, this type of laryngitis has certain contagiousness, but the contagiousness is relatively weak and it is not a severe or highly contagious disease. Secondly, laryngitis caused by long-term misuse of the voice mainly results from mechanical damage and is non-contagious. Moreover, this type of laryngitis tends to be more chronic. In summary, acute laryngitis caused by bacterial and viral infections has certain contagiousness, but the contagiousness is very weak.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 10sec

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Can I eat watermelon with laryngitis?

Laryngitis can be treated by eating watermelon; there are no problems with that. Laryngitis is an emergency condition in the otolaryngology field, most commonly occurring in infants and toddlers, especially those between two to three years old. It can cause sudden high fever in patients, accompanied by hoarseness, swelling and pain in the throat, and a bark-like cough. As the condition worsens, patients may experience difficulty breathing and even suffocate to death. The pathogens commonly seen are hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, with the vocal cords being primarily affected. In terms of treatment, patients firstly need symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are effective. Additionally, the use of corticosteroids for nebulized inhalation helps reduce local congestion and swelling, allowing for recovery within about a week. A light diet is recommended during treatment, including watermelon, peaches, pears, and apples. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a qualified doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 25sec

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What to eat for laryngitis

Laryngitis is an emergency in otolaryngology, commonly seen in infants and toddlers. Generally, it is caused by acute inflammation that irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, mainly the vocal cords, leading to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa. Patients may exhibit sudden high fever, with a body temperature above 38°C, severe sore throat, hoarse voice, bark-like cough, and in severe cases, it may cause breathing difficulties or even lead to suffocation and death. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal severe edema of the bilateral vocal cords and incomplete closure of the glottis. In treatment, laryngitis initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. A routine blood test should be conducted; if there is an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils, a bacterial infection should be considered, and oral administration of cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics is effective. If lymphocytes are elevated, the patient should receive symptomatic antiviral treatment, which is also effective. Additionally, nebulized inhalation should be used to help reduce local congestion and edema. A bland diet should be maintained, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Recovery is typically within about a week. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

41sec

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What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a relatively common clinical disease with a variety of symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include pain in the throat area. If the pain is severe and accompanied by noticeable swelling, it may affect swallowing and breathing, and could lead to swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties. Another common symptom is hoarseness, especially seen in acute laryngitis, as it can cause congestion and swelling of the vocal cords, which easily leads to hoarseness. Generally, when symptoms of laryngitis appear, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology department promptly for a laryngoscopy to assess the extent of the inflammatory response.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

47sec

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Symptoms of acute laryngitis in children

Pediatric acute laryngitis varies in severity and symptoms. Common symptoms include hoarseness, whole lung coughing, and inspiratory breathing difficulties, as well as other respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, there may be systemic symptoms like fever. Seizures may occur in children under six years old. If the symptoms of laryngeal obstruction in laryngitis are prominent, the affected child may show signs of listlessness or irritability, inspiratory breathing difficulties, flaring nostrils, and a positive three-concavity sign.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

57sec

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Symptoms of laryngitis

Laryngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease with a variety of clinical symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include hoarseness, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Some patients may also experience swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. In such cases, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist for routine blood tests and a laryngoscopy to determine the specific extent of the condition. In terms of treatment, most patients may consider oral medication, and it is recommended to combine this with nebulization. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and the clinical symptoms are evident, a small number of patients might need intravenous treatment. During treatment, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor recovery. (Please use medication under the guidance of a qualified physician.)