If you’ve ever had a sore throat or lost your voice temporarily, chances are you’ve come down with either pharyngitis or laryngitis. These two medical conditions are similar but different. They describe two areas of the body that are closely related in proximity and nature. Here is the difference between laryngitis and pharyngitis for your understanding.
Understanding Pharyngitis
When someone comes down with a sore throat, this is an inflamed pharynx, or pharyngitis. Many people suffer from this condition, as it can be triggered easily. When you feel it coming on, the soreness will start behind your nose, in your nasal cavity, and ends right above your voice box in your throat.
Knowing All About Laryngitis
Unlike pharyngitis, laryngitis affects the voice box, not the back of the throat. The voice box, or larynx, is at the top of the neck. This part of the throat controls breathing, swallowing, and speech. Unlike pharyngitis, an affected individual loses the ability to speak until they get better.
How much you speak or use your vocal cords will determine how often you develop laryngitis. Singers and speakers are often plagued by this condition from excessive use of their larynx.
What Causes These Conditions?
You might have caught a bacterial or viral infection when you develop pharyngitis. Laryngitis can occur from fungal infections, overuse of the vocal cords, allergies, and even acid reflux. Knowing the difference between these conditions will help you easily identify them if you are questioning your symptoms. You should be seen by a medical physician for a proper diagnosis if your condition gets bad enough or if you need to take a leave of absence from work or school. The ENT specialists in Houston are a great reference if you need special care for your ailment.
You can be on your way to recovery much quicker by knowing the difference between laryngitis and pharyngitis. After identifying the condition you’re being affected by, you can treat your symptoms, and you’ll feel better before you know it!
