What should you know about bronchitis and laryngitis?

Bronchitis affects the larger breathing tubes and commonly causes a cough with mucus or chest irritation. Laryngitis affects the voice box, so hoarseness, a weak voice, or temporary loss of voice may accompany the cough. A common cold can trigger both problems. Acid reflux, smoke, dust, and repeated voice use can also irritate the voice box, so hoarseness does not prove that bronchitis is present. A sore throat may occur early in an infection or after frequent coughing.

Rest your voice, speak softly rather than whispering, drink fluids, and avoid smoke and other throat irritants. Humidified air may feel soothing. Use medicines only as directed for your age and health conditions. Antibiotics do not treat every cause of bronchitis or laryngitis; a GP consultation can help decide whether an examination is needed.

Get urgent help for difficult breathing, noisy breathing at rest, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, or rapidly worsening throat swelling. Arrange medical review for persistent hoarseness, coughing blood, chest pain, dehydration, or a cough that is worsening rather than settling. A voice change that keeps returning also deserves assessment.

Ask whether the cough and voice symptoms share a cause, whether reflux or an irritant may be contributing, which pain or cough measures suit you, and what duration should prompt follow-up.