Laryngitis: what you should know

The voice box, or larynx, sits at the top of the windpipe and contains the vocal cords. Swelling changes how those cords vibrate, causing a rough, weak, breathy, or absent voice. A viral infection such as a Common Cold can trigger it, while voice overuse, smoke, dry air, or Acid Reflux may irritate the larynx. A Hoarse Voice and Sore Throat can occur together, although symptoms vary.

Rest your voice by speaking briefly and softly; avoid whispering, shouting, and singing because these can strain the vocal cords. Drink fluids, use comfortably moist air, and avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants. Do not clear your throat repeatedly; sip water instead. If reflux seems to aggravate your voice, avoid lying down soon after eating and discuss persistent symptoms with a clinician. Antibiotics do not treat viral laryngitis unless another bacterial problem is diagnosed.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange a GP Consultation if the voice change is severe, keeps returning, affects work or eating, or does not begin improving. A clinician can examine your throat and voice and decide whether another cause needs assessment.

Ask what may be irritating your larynx, whether reflux or an infection needs attention, how long voice rest should continue, and which changes would require a follow-up examination.