What is the most common cause of laryngitis?

These viruses can inflame the larynx, or voice box, causing the vocal folds to swell. The voice may become rough, weak or temporarily disappear. A cough, blocked or runny nose and a sore throat may occur at the same time.

Laryngitis commonly follows cold symptoms and often improves as the infection settles. Voice strain, smoke, dusty air and other irritants can add to the inflammation. Acid reflux can also irritate the larynx, especially when hoarseness keeps returning or is worse after lying down, but it is not the usual cause of a short-lived episode.

Hoarseness is the main clue. Pain or fever may be present when an infection is involved, while isolated recurring hoarseness may point to irritation or another voice-box problem. Antibiotics do not treat the viruses that cause most acute cases.

Rest your voice by speaking only when needed, and use a normal quiet voice rather than whispering. Drink fluids regularly, avoid smoking and smoky spaces, and consider a humidified room if dry air makes your throat uncomfortable. Do not force your voice or repeatedly clear your throat, because both can increase irritation.

Treat accompanying cold symptoms according to the label directions for any over-the-counter medicine, taking account of your age, pregnancy, medical conditions and other medicines. A GP can assess persistent hoarseness or symptoms that do not fit a simple cold.

Seek urgent medical help if breathing becomes difficult, swallowing is severely impaired, saliva is pooling, or there is rapidly worsening throat or neck swelling. Arrange a GP consultation if hoarseness is severe, keeps returning, follows an injury, or lasts longer than expected, particularly if you smoke or have unexplained weight loss, neck swelling or coughing blood.

A clinician may examine your throat and neck, listen to your voice and decide whether further examination of the larynx is needed. A common cold can explain laryngitis, but ongoing voice change deserves a specific assessment.

You could ask: Could a cold, reflux or voice strain be contributing to my hoarseness? How long should I rest my voice? Do any of my medicines or health conditions affect my throat? What changes would mean I need a follow-up examination?