Laryngitis Care

> ⚠️ Ask your doctor or health care professional. This information is AI generated for education and NOT medical advice.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx), usually caused by a viral infection, overuse of the voice, or irritants, resulting in hoarseness or loss of voice.

Common symptoms

Hoarseness or loss of voice, a dry or sore throat, a tickling or raw feeling in the throat, and a dry cough. Symptoms are often accompanied by other cold-like symptoms if caused by a viral infection.

General self-care measures

• Rest your voice — avoid shouting, whispering (which can strain the voice more than speaking softly), and prolonged talking.
• Stay well hydrated and consider a humidifier for dry air.
• Avoid smoking and irritants like secondhand smoke.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out the throat.

When to seek medical attention

• Hoarseness lasting more than two to three weeks.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing alongside voice changes.
• Coughing up blood.
• Hoarseness in someone who smokes heavily or has other risk factors, especially if persistent.

Common pitfalls

• Whispering to "rest" the voice — whispering can actually strain the vocal cords more than speaking normally at a soft volume; true vocal rest (minimal talking) is more effective.
• Ignoring persistent hoarseness beyond a few weeks — most laryngitis resolves within one to two weeks; hoarseness lasting significantly longer warrants evaluation to rule out other causes.
• Continuing to smoke or use the voice heavily during recovery — both delay healing of the irritated vocal cords.

Learn more

• Otolaryngology Assessment for related ENT assessment.
• Sore Throat Care for a related, overlapping condition.
• Health Care for general navigation of health systems.