Causes. Laryngitis is usually harmless. It can happen when we are fighting a cold, the flu or bronchitis. The other common cause is overuse. This can occur when we strain our vocal cords with forceful singing, yelling or talking. Other health issues can trigger laryngitis, such as allergies, acid reflux, bacterial infections, fungal infections (thrush), and diseases occurring in the sinuses. Smoking and alcohol abuse can cause laryngitis. Sometimes, injuries to the throat, such as getting hit, can cause laryngitis. Inhaling chemical fumes can also be a cause of laryngitis.
