What should you know about green phlegm laryngitis?

Laryngitis is inflammation around the voice box and commonly causes a hoarse, weak, or absent voice. Mucus may become thick and green during a common cold or another upper-airway illness; post-nasal drainage can also irritate the throat. Acid reflux, smoke, dust, and repeated voice strain may inflame the voice box without causing a bacterial infection. Green mucus does not, on its own, show that antibiotics are required.

The useful clues are duration and associated symptoms. Record fever, cough, blocked nose, throat pain, reflux symptoms, noisy breathing, and whether your voice is improving or deteriorating.

Rest your voice by speaking gently and briefly; avoid shouting and whispering, which can both strain the vocal cords. Drink fluids, avoid smoking and smoky rooms, and use moist air if it feels soothing. Do not repeatedly clear your throat, as this can increase irritation. Treat reflux triggers if they are familiar to you, and ask a pharmacist before using medicines for congestion or cough.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, or rapidly increasing swelling of the throat. Seek prompt medical advice for severe pain, dehydration, coughing blood, a high or persistent fever, or worsening chest symptoms. Arrange a review if hoarseness does not improve, keeps returning, or interferes with work, eating, or drinking; a GP can examine your throat and voice symptoms.

Ask whether the mucus is likely draining from the nose or coming from the chest, whether reflux or allergy could be contributing, and how long voice rest should continue. Mention smoking, voice-heavy work, medicines, fever, swallowing problems, and breathing changes.