Treatment for laryngitis in adults

Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box and can cause a hoarse voice, weak voice, voice loss, throat irritation or a sore throat. A common cold can trigger it, while acid reflux, smoke, dry air, allergies or heavy voice use may keep the area irritated. Hoarseness alone does not establish one cause. The pattern, accompanying symptoms and duration help guide assessment.

Rest your voice by speaking less and at a comfortable volume; whispering can also strain the voice, so use writing or messaging when practical. Drink fluids, use humidified air and avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol and other irritants. Do not clear your throat repeatedly; sip water instead. Treat nasal symptoms if they cause mouth breathing or drainage. If reflux seems to worsen hoarseness, avoid lying down soon after meals and discuss acid reflux care with a clinician. Antibiotics are not routinely useful for viral laryngitis, so do not start leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling or rapidly increasing neck swelling. Arrange a GP consultation if hoarseness lasts beyond the expected illness, keeps returning, affects your work, or occurs with unexplained weight loss, coughing blood or significant pain. A clinician may examine your throat and voice box or arrange further assessment.

Ask whether reflux, infection, allergy or voice strain may be contributing, how long to modify voice use, whether any medicine is appropriate and when persistent hoarseness needs specialist review. Mention smoking, inhaled medicines and how your voice is used at work.