Acute laryngitis: what to know

It commonly occurs alongside a viral respiratory illness or after heavy voice use. Resting the voice, drinking fluids, and avoiding smoke or other irritants can ease strain while the lining of the larynx settles.

The vocal cords sit inside the larynx and vibrate as air passes between them. When their surface becomes swollen or irritated, they cannot vibrate normally, so the voice may sound rough, weak, breathy, or lower than usual. A dry cough, throat discomfort, or a frequent urge to clear the throat may occur too. Repeated throat clearing can add friction and prolong irritation.

Use your voice less and speak gently when necessary. Whispering can tense the voice box, so choose a quiet, comfortable speaking voice instead. Sip water regularly, consider warm drinks for comfort, and keep indoor air from becoming very dry. Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, shouting, and alcohol if it dries or irritates your throat. Antibiotics do not treat viral laryngitis; a clinician can advise if another cause is suspected.

Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing, noisy breathing, difficulty swallowing saliva, drooling, coughing up blood, severe neck swelling, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange a clinical assessment if hoarseness is not improving, keeps returning, follows a neck injury, or occurs with an unexplained neck lump. Children with breathing difficulty, unusual drowsiness, or poor fluid intake need prompt evaluation.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an infection, voice strain, reflux, allergy, or another source of irritation. You can also ask which medicines are suitable with your health conditions, whether your work or singing needs temporary adjustment, and when a persistent voice change should be examined by an ear, nose and throat specialist.