Laryngitis: what to know about over-the-counter care

Laryngitis is irritation or swelling of the voice box. It can cause a hoarse voice, a weak voice or temporary loss of voice, and may occur with a sore throat or cough. A common cold can trigger it, while acid reflux or repeated voice strain can also irritate the area. Hoarseness alone does not identify the cause.

Rest your voice, sip water regularly and use warm drinks or soothing lozenges if they feel helpful. Avoid whispering, because it can still strain the voice. A pharmacist can help you choose a suitable pain or fever medicine and check for interactions, allergies, pregnancy or other reasons a product may not be appropriate. Do not start antibiotics for ordinary laryngitis without clinical advice; they do not help every cause. Avoid smoke and other inhaled irritants while your throat settles.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, or rapidly worsening throat swelling. Arrange a GP Consultation when hoarseness is persistent, keeps returning, is accompanied by significant pain or trouble swallowing, or concerns you. Assessment can help distinguish laryngitis from another throat or voice-box problem.

Ask what may be irritating your voice box, whether reflux or a respiratory infection needs attention, and which symptom medicines fit your health history. Mention smoking or vaping, voice-heavy work, new medicines and how long the voice change has lasted.