How do treat laryngitis

If your laryngitis is caused by an infection, the GP might prescribe antibiotics. Laryngitis usually happens when you have an infection from a virus, such as cold or flu. A flu vaccination will help prevent you getting flu.

Page last reviewed: 29 December Next review due: 29 December Check if you have laryngitis Laryngitis usually comes on suddenly and gets worse during the first 3 days.

The main symptoms are: a hoarse croaky voice sometimes losing your voice an irritating cough that does not go away always needing to clear your throat a sore throat Children can also: have a temperature of 38C or above be off their food or drink have difficulty breathing but this is rare Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses, such as colds and flu, so you may also have other symptoms.

How you can treat laryngitis yourself Laryngitis usually goes away on its own after 1 to 2 weeks and you do not need to see a GP. In chronic laryngitis, the inflammation is ongoing. Vocal cords can become strained and develop growths, such as polyps or nodules. Laryngitis can cause a wide range of symptoms in adults, including :. These symptoms begin suddenly and often become more severe over the next 2 to 3 days.

If symptoms last for more than 3 weeks, it is likely that the case has become chronic. This suggests a more serious underlying cause that warrants further investigation. Laryngitis often relates to other illnesses.

Tonsilitis, throat infection, cold, or flu can occur alongside a case of laryngitis, so the following symptoms may also occur:. The symptoms are likely to resolve without treatment by the seventh day of infection.

See a doctor if the symptoms persist for longer or present severely. Symptoms of laryngitis in children can differ from symptoms in adults. The condition is often characterized by a hoarse, barking cough and fever, and may also present as croup. Croup is a contagious respiratory illness common among children. Although croup is usually a simple illness to treat, severe cases require medical attention. These symptoms can also indicate epiglottitis.

This is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the trachea, or windpipe. Both adults and children can develop epiglottitis, and the condition can be life-threatening in certain cases. A number of conditions can cause laryngitis. Acute and chronic forms of laryngitis typically result from different factors. The most common cause of laryngitis is a viral infection, often similar to those that cause the common cold or flu.

Overuse of the voice can also cause inflammation of the larynx. Examples of overuse include loud singing or excessive shouting. In very rare instances, acute laryngitis can be caused by diphtheria , a bacterial infection. Most people in the U. Physicians typically diagnose laryngitis with a physical examination that assesses the ears, nose, throat, and voice. In most case, no additional testing is required. The most common symptom of the condition is hoarseness, so doctors will take care to listen to the voice of the person with laryngitis.

They may also ask questions about lifestyle, potential exposure to airborne irritants, and other related diseases. If a person presents with chronic hoarseness, a doctor may recommend additional testing to fully examine the vocal cords. Chronic hoarseness can be caused by other conditions, such as a cancer in the throat area. This symptom will require follow-up tests to rule out a more serious illness. A laryngoscope can be used to observe the motion of the vocal cords when in use and determine the presence of any polyps or nodules on the vocal cords.

A biopsy can be carried out if a suspicious area of tissue requires further assessment. Treatment options include:. Some patients will be treated with oral steroids with or without voice rest to help diagnose an inflammatory voice problem. However, for long-term voice problems secondary to vocal fold inflammation, it is best to avoid long-term steroid use if possible and to treat any underlying problems.

We offer personalized and comprehensive treatment plans for patients with voice, swallowing, and complex airway disorders. You will benefit from laryngologists who have vast experience in treating these disorders and can provide patients top-notch care. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is laryngitis?

What are the causes of laryngitis? The most common cause of laryngitis is a virus. Other types of infection rare are bacterial or fungal.