How to treat laryngitis

Treatment depends on the cause. A viral illness often needs supportive care, while voice overuse improves when the vocal folds are given time to recover. Smoke, reflux and dry air can prolong irritation. Antibiotics do not treat every cause of laryngitis, so a clinician should decide whether they have a role after considering your symptoms and examination.

Speak as little as practical and use a comfortable, quiet voice; avoid shouting, singing and whispering. Sip water, use humidified air if soothing, and avoid smoking or smoky environments. Do not repeatedly clear your throat. A pharmacist can advise on suitable relief for pain or cough, taking account of your health and medicines. Addressing reflux or a respiratory infection may also be part of care.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, noisy breathing, drooling, inability to swallow fluids, coughing blood or rapidly worsening swelling. Book a GP assessment if symptoms are severe, recur, follow an injury, or the voice change persists. A clinician can examine the throat, review possible triggers and decide whether specialist voice assessment is needed.

Ask which cause is most plausible, how long to rest your voice, and whether reflux, infection or another irritant needs treatment. Mention your voice use, smoking exposure, fever, pain, swallowing difficulty, breathing symptoms and all medicines.