A sore throat and laryngitis are fairly common and relatively minor conditions that affect the esophagus and larynx. While "sore throat" is a term used to describe almost any type of throat pain caused by a variety of conditions, laryngitis is specifically an inflammation of the larynx, and usually causes hoarseness or a weak voice. Both of these conditions can be caused by some of the same things, especially cold and flu.
Laryngitis causes hoarseness because the membranes covering the vocal cords become inflamed, distorting or muffling the sounds made when a person talks. In extreme cases, the sufferer may lose his or her voice almost entirely. It does not interfere with breathing, but may make it difficult to communicate.
This condition may be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis usually comes on quickly and passes in no more than two weeks; minimizing using the voice may help speed recovery. Chronic laryngitis is recurring or long-term laryngitis and can be caused by factors like nerve damage, polyps on the vocal cords, or acid-reflux. Acid from the stomach backing up into the esophagus may irritate and inflame the larynx, leading to laryngitis.
Sore throat itself is often a symptom of laryngitis. Other symptoms may include coughing, dry throat, and trouble swallowing. A sore throat and laryngitis can also be caused by allergies or irritation due to pollution or smoke inhalation. The two conditions can share many causes and one can be a symptom of the other.
A very large number of problems besides laryngitis have sore throat as a symptom, including throat cancer and viral or bacterial infections like streptococcus, mononucleosis, candida, and even AIDS. Most sore throats are simple inflammations of the mucous membranes lining the throat. A simple sore throat is usually not serious and usually passes in a few days. If it persists for a week or more, it may be a symptom of one of the more serious conditions or even another problem, such as epiglottitis.
As a sore throat and laryngitis can be caused by so many different factors and may be inter-connected, it is always best to consult a doctor if a person is unsure about the cause of either condition. A doctor should also be consulted if either condition persists for more than a few days. A sore throat and laryngitis may be minor irritations that pass quickly, but if either condition lingers, it may indicate a more serious health problem.