Laryngitis is essentially inflammation at the back of the throat near the voice box. This disorder may occur from a variety of causes like infection, overuse or irritation. The vocal cords play an important role in speech and when this area of the neck gets inflamed, voice can become hoarse and may be accompanied by pain upon swallowing.
The majority of cases of laryngitis are of a short duration; perhaps due to a viral infection. But long term hoarseness generally indicates something more ominous like a cancer.
The majority of people who have laryngitis will complain of a tired voice, sore throat, dry throat or a tickling sensation at the back of the throat. Besides infection other causes of laryngitis include smoking, allergies, acid reflux, excessive alcohol use or cancer.
Short lived cases of laryngitis are usually diagnosed on a physical exam and history. Long term cases need to be examined with a camera to ensure that there is no cancer at the back of the throat.
Acute cases of laryngitis can be treated with rest, fluids and humidification. Sometimes sucking on lozenges or hard candy may help. Acute viral cases usually resolve on their own. Antibiotics rarely help but some physicians may prescribe steroids to children.
Acute laryngitis usually does not result in any major complications; most people recover in a few days with no long term sequelae.
It is reported that Brittany Murphy had laryngitis prior to her death. Experts say that the laryngitis is most likely not related to her death. Rather than speculating on the cause of her death, it is best to wait for the autopsy results which have now been completed.