Quick cure for laryngitis: what helps

Laryngitis is inflammation around the voice box, causing a rough, weak, or absent voice. A [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) can trigger it, while irritation from smoke, heavy voice use, dry air, or [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) may prolong symptoms. A [Hoarse Voice](/symptoms/hoarse-voice/) and scratchy throat can occur together, but the cause is not always obvious from the voice change alone.

Rest your voice by speaking only when needed and use a normal gentle voice rather than whispering, which can strain the voice box. Drink water regularly, use humidified air, and avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol, and dusty air. Soothe a [Sore Throat](/symptoms/sore-throat/) with warm or cool fluids if comfortable. Do not share cups or utensils when a viral infection is possible, and follow medicine directions rather than taking antibiotics without an assessment.

Contact a clinician if your voice change is severe, keeps returning, lasts beyond the expected recovery, or affects your work. Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, or rapidly increasing throat swelling. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help distinguish infection, reflux, vocal strain, and other causes.

Could reflux or an infection be irritating my voice box? How long should I rest my voice? Do I need an examination if the hoarseness keeps returning?