Hey Doc, I’ve always wanted to know the difference between vocal fold swelling and laryngitis? Are they the same or different degrees of the same thing?
-Joseph
Well, yes and no. Laryngitis suggests an inflammation of the larynx (as any “-itis ” refers to inflammation such as arthritis or bursitis). It is generally a descriptive term and has come to refer to any inflammatory condition that causes the symptom of hoarseness.
By contrast, vocal fold swelling is a physical sign, one that can be seen on examination. It can be one (but not the only one) of several manifestations of laryngeal inflammation. Other manifestations might be redness, stiffness of the vocal folds, or an exudate (a fluid in an area of inflammation) covering the folds.
Swelling may also occur in the absence of any inflammation, such as with a polyp, nodule or cyst. So the two overlap, but are not synonymous. If that’s more confusing than helpful, consider that both laryngitis and vocal fold swelling can cause hoarseness, but they are not interchangeable terms.
-Anthony F. Jahn, MD, FACS, FRCS(C)
This discussion is for general information and not to be construed as specific medical advice that you should obtain from your own physician.
Dr. Jahn is an internationally renowned otolaryngologist based in Manhattan with a sub-specialty interest in the professional voice. His practice includes classical and popular singers. He holds academic appointments at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Westminster Choir College in Princeton. He is Medical Director at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and former Director of Medical Services at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Dr. Jahn has published several books for vocalists, including “Vocal Heath for Singers” (Singdaptive) and “The Singer’s Guide to Complete Health” (Oxford University Press).
