Irritable Larynx Syndrome (ILS), also known as neurogenic cough or chronic laryngeal cough, happens when the voice box (larynx) becomes overly sensitive, reacting too strongly to things like strong smells, smoke, allergies, or even talking too much. People with ILS often experience a persistent cough that doesn’t go away with typical treatments. They may feel like their throat is tight, dry, or irritated, and they may cough frequently or have trouble speaking. Sometimes, even normal things like laughing, breathing cold air, or eating spicy food can trigger discomfort.

Doctors believe that ILS can develop after an illness, acid reflux, or repeated exposure to irritants like smoke, perfumes, or chemicals. Chronic cough is often one of the main symptoms, and in these cases, it is considered a neurogenic cough—caused by abnormal sensitivity in the nerves that control the throat and airway. Diagnosis usually involves a doctor listening to your symptoms and sometimes using a small camera to check your throat. There’s no single test for ILS or neurogenic cough, but ruling out other conditions helps confirm it.

Treatment focuses on calming the throat and retraining the larynx to be less sensitive. This can include speech therapy, breathing exercises, avoiding known triggers, and sometimes medication to reduce irritation. In more severe cases, Botox injections or a nerve block can temporarily relax the overactive muscles in the larynx, helping to relieve symptoms like throat tightness, voice strain, and chronic cough. Managing stress and staying hydrated can also help. With the right approach, most people see significant improvement and can function comfortably.