Define laryngitis.

• A. Infection or inflammation of the larynx
• B. Inflammation of the trachea
• C. Obstruction of the airway
• D. Degeneration of the vocal cords

Answer: (A)

Laryngitis is infection or inflammation of the larynx, the voice box at the top of the trachea that houses the vocal cords. When the laryngeal mucosa swells, the vocal folds can’t vibrate properly, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice, often with a sore throat or cough. It’s usually caused by a viral infection, though irritants or overuse can contribute. The other options describe problems in different structures or conditions: inflammation of the trachea is tracheitis; airway obstruction is a broader issue that isn’t specifically laryngitis; degeneration of the vocal cords refers to tissue changes rather than inflammatory swelling of the larynx.