Laryngitis
ল্যারিঞ্জাইটিস (স্বরযন্ত্রের প্রদাহ)
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.
Laryngitis means the larynx, or voice box, has become inflamed. Most of the time it clears up on its own in about a week, without any treatment.
Symptoms of laryngitis
Laryngitis can come on suddenly, and it usually gets worse over 2 to 3 days. The common symptoms are:
- hoarseness
- difficulty speaking
- sore throat
- mild fever
- irritating cough
- a constant need to clear your throat
The hoarse voice and the trouble speaking tend to get worse each day you're ill. They may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone.
In a few cases, the larynx can swell and cause breathing difficulties. This isn't common in adults, but it can happen in young children because their windpipes are smaller and narrower.
Laryngitis is often linked to another illness, for example a cold, flu, throat infection or tonsillitis. So you might also have other symptoms such as:
- a headache
- swollen glands
- runny nose
- pain when swallowing
- feeling tired and achy
Read more: Cough · Common cold · Flu · Sore throat · Tonsillitis · Headaches · Swollen glands
See a doctor if:
See a doctor if you or your child:
- have symptoms that are particularly severe, or they last longer than 2 weeks
- have difficulty breathing
Things to do
- drink plenty of water
- rest your voice as much as you can
Things to avoid
- Don't smoke
- Don't spend time in smoky or dusty places
Treating the cause
If you see your doctor, they'll talk through the possible causes with you. They may also refer you for tests, or to a specialist in hospital.
Sometimes it's possible to treat the cause behind laryngitis. For example, if an allergic reaction is causing your symptoms, you may be able to:
- avoid the thing you're allergic to
- take medicine to help control your allergy
What causes laryngitis
In most cases, laryngitis is caused by one of two things:
- a viral infection, such as a cold or flu
- irritation to your larynx, for example from straining your voice or from reflux
When this is the cause, most of the symptoms usually pass within a week. This is known as acute laryngitis.
Laryngitis can occasionally last much longer, and this is known as chronic laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by:
- smoking
- alcohol misuse
- reflux
Read more: Common cold · Flu
How to prevent laryngitis
Laryngitis is often caused by a common viral infection, such as a cold or flu, so you can't always prevent it. There are still things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Things to do
- don't smoke
- get the flu vaccine every year if you're eligible
- wash your hands often, especially before handling food and after using the toilet
- stay away from close contact with people who have a respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu, particularly if you're prone to laryngitis
- avoid irritants such as smoke or dust, particularly if you have a cold or another respiratory infection
- raise your head with pillows when you sleep, so your larynx is protected from any acid reflux from your stomach during the night
- try not to clear your throat regularly, as this can irritate the larynx, and take small sips of water instead
- follow the low-risk drinking guidelines when you drink alcohol
- avoid shouting or singing loudly, or doing either for long periods of time
Read more: Common cold