Does laryngitis cause hoarse voice?

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, the voice box that contains the vocal cords. Swollen cords cannot meet and vibrate in their usual way, so speech may sound rough, breathy, weak or disappear temporarily. A viral upper-respiratory infection is a common trigger, but shouting, prolonged speaking, smoke and reflux can also irritate the larynx.

A sore throat, dry cough or throat-clearing may occur at the same time. Hoarseness after a cold often improves as the irritation settles, while a voice change that persists needs a clinician’s assessment.

Rest your voice by speaking gently and only when needed; whispering can also strain the vocal cords. Drink fluids, use humidified air if it feels soothing, and avoid smoking, smoky rooms and repeated throat-clearing. Do not start antibiotics unless a clinician identifies a reason they may help, because many cases are linked to viruses.

Arrange medical advice if hoarseness continues after the rest of the illness has settled, keeps returning, or affects work or swallowing. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, blue lips, inability to swallow saliva or rapidly worsening throat swelling.

What may have triggered my laryngitis? How should I protect my voice while it heals? Could reflux or an inhaled medicine be irritating my larynx? At what point should persistent hoarseness be examined?