How do you get laryngitis?

A cold can inflame the upper airway and voice box, and the infection causing that cold may spread between people through respiratory droplets or contaminated hands. Laryngitis can also follow shouting, prolonged speaking or singing. Smoke, dust, dry air and acid reflux can irritate the vocal folds without being contagious. More than one trigger may be present at the same time.

Rest your voice when it feels strained, drink fluids and avoid smoke. If you have cold symptoms, wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact while feeling unwell. Do not whisper or push your voice through pain. Managing reflux triggers with professional advice may help if throat irritation repeatedly follows meals or lying down.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, drooling, inability to swallow fluids or rapidly worsening throat swelling. Arrange a GP assessment if laryngitis keeps returning, follows an injury, causes significant swallowing pain, or the voice does not improve. Assessment can clarify whether infection, strain, reflux or another condition is responsible.

Ask which trigger best fits your symptoms, whether you may be contagious, and how long to limit speaking or singing. Tell the clinician about recent colds, voice demands, reflux symptoms, smoke exposure, fever and breathing or swallowing changes.