Laryngitis

Overview

Your voice box (larynx) holds your vocal cords. When they swell, your voice can sound breathy, raspy, or very quiet, or you may lose it completely.

The most common cause is a virus, like a cold. Shouting, singing, acid reflux, allergies, and smoking can also cause it. Most cases get better on their own.

Symptoms

Symptoms often start with a cold.

• Hoarse voice
• Weak voice or losing your voice
• Scratchy throat

Less common

• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever
• Swollen glands in the neck

How it usually goes

• First days: Voice gets hoarse, often with a cold.
• 1 to 2 weeks: Most voices come back.
• More than 2 to 3 weeks: Get checked.

When to get medical care

Causes

Most laryngitis comes from a virus, like a cold. Other causes include overusing your voice, acid reflux, allergies, smoke and chemicals, and, rarely, bacteria.

Hoarseness that doesn't go away can come from vocal cord growths or, rarely, cancer of the voice box.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Colds or other throat infections
• Jobs that use your voice a lot, like teaching or singing
• Smoking
• Acid reflux

Possible complications

• Vocal cord problems: Nodules or polyps from long-term strain
• Acid reflux: Can keep the voice box irritated

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can often tell the cause from your symptoms and an exam.

Questions you may be asked

• How long you've been hoarse
• Cold symptoms like cough, runny nose, or sore throat
• Heavy voice use, like shouting or singing
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Smoking

The exam

They'll look in your throat and feel your neck for swollen glands.

Tests

For hoarseness that lasts more than a few weeks:

• Laryngoscopy: A thin, flexible scope through the nose to look at the vocal cords.

Treatment

Most laryngitis is caused by a virus, so antibiotics usually won't help. Resting your voice is the best treatment.

Self-care

• Rest your voice. Talk only when you need to
• Don't whisper. It strains the vocal cords more than soft talking
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist
• Use a humidifier or breathe in steam
• Avoid smoke, alcohol, and lots of caffeine
• Avoid shouting, singing, and clearing your throat

Medicines

Over-the-counter medicines can ease a sore throat.

Decongestants can dry out the vocal cords. Ask before using them for laryngitis.

If reflux is the cause, treating the reflux can help your voice. Long-term hoarseness from vocal cord growths may need voice therapy.

How it compares

Prevention

You can lower the chance of laryngitis:

• Wash your hands often during cold and flu season
• Don't strain your voice; use a microphone if you speak to groups
• Drink plenty of water
• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: A child with hoarseness plus trouble breathing, drooling, or a barking cough needs care right away.
• Smokers: Hoarseness that lasts more than a few weeks should be checked by an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
• Voice professionals: Ask about voice therapy to protect your voice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most laryngitis goes away in 1 to 2 weeks. Hoarseness that lasts longer should be checked to find the cause.

Getting ready for your visit

Note how long it's been going on.

What to bring

• How long you've been hoarse
• How you use your voice at work
• Smoking and reflux history

Questions to ask

• What's causing my hoarseness?
• Do I need a scope exam?
• Should I see a voice specialist?
• When can I use my voice normally?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Laryngitis