What should you know about acute laryngitis treatment?

Laryngitis is inflammation around the voice box and vocal cords. It can cause hoarseness, a weak or absent voice, throat irritation and a dry cough. A viral respiratory infection is a frequent trigger; heavy voice use, smoke exposure and acid reflux can also irritate the area. Antibiotics do not treat a viral infection, so they are not routinely helpful unless a clinician identifies a bacterial cause.

Use your voice as little as practical and speak softly at a comfortable pitch. Avoid whispering because it can strain the voice. Sip water regularly, consider warm drinks, and use humidified air if the room is dry. Stay away from smoking, vaping, dust and alcohol while the throat is irritated. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease discomfort when suitable for you; follow the label and check with a pharmacist if you have other conditions, take regular medicines, are pregnant or are treating a child. If reflux seems to trigger episodes, a clinician can review meal timing and reflux treatment.

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, drooling with inability to swallow, or rapidly worsening throat swelling. Arrange a medical review if you cough up blood, have marked pain, cannot keep fluids down, or develop a persistent fever. Hoarseness that does not settle after the infection has passed, keeps returning, or occurs without an obvious cold also deserves assessment, particularly if you smoke or have trouble swallowing.

Ask whether the pattern fits infection, voice strain, reflux or another source of irritation. Mention how long the voice change has lasted, whether it recurs, and any breathing or swallowing difficulty. A clinician may examine your mouth and neck and decide whether the vocal cords need specialist assessment.