Laryngitis
Laryngitis
Laryngitis means the voice box (larynx) has become inflamed. The good news is that it usually settles on its own within about a week, without needing any treatment.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Talk to your GP if you or your child have symptoms that are especially severe, last longer than 2 weeks, or come with breathing difficulties.
Causes
Laryngitis usually happens for one of two reasons: a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, or irritation of your larynx, for example from straining your voice too much or from reflux. In these cases, symptoms usually settle down within a week, and doctors call this acute laryngitis.
Sometimes, though, laryngitis can drag on for much longer, and this is called chronic laryngitis. It tends to be linked to things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or ongoing reflux.
Treatment
If you visit your doctor about it, they'll go through the possible reasons with you, and if needed, arrange tests or send you to a specialist at the hospital.
Sometimes the underlying cause of the laryngitis can be treated directly. For instance, if an allergy is behind your symptoms, you may be able to:
- stay away from whatever you're allergic to
- take medicine to keep the allergy under control
Prevention
Laryngitis is usually caused by a common viral infection, like a cold or flu, so it isn't always possible to prevent it. Even so, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing it.