The main symptom is a hoarse voice.
Symptoms range from mild to complete loss of voice.
There may also be some pain in speaking or swallowing. The causes include infection, overuse of the voice, inhaling smoke or fumes, or a tumor in the throat. A common cold or flu can sometimes spread to the vocal cords. Other infections include tuberculosis, bronchitis, or sinusitis. Viruses that tend to cause croup in children may cause laryngitis in adults.