What causes laryngitis?

The larynx contains the vocal cords. When they swell, they cannot vibrate normally, so the voice may sound hoarse, weak, or disappear temporarily. A cold can inflame the throat and larynx. Speaking loudly, singing for a long time, frequent throat clearing, smoke, and other irritants can add strain. Reflux can bring stomach contents upward and irritate the throat, sometimes causing hoarseness without obvious heartburn. The cause may be short-lived or may need review if symptoms persist.

Rest your voice by speaking softly and briefly; whispering can also strain the vocal cords. Drink fluids, use humidified air, and avoid smoke and dusty air. Treat a cold with supportive care, and discuss recurring reflux symptoms with a clinician. Do not start antibiotics unless prescribed, because many episodes follow viral illness rather than bacteria.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, or rapidly increasing throat swelling. Arrange a medical review for hoarseness that does not improve, repeated episodes, pain when swallowing, coughing blood, or an unexplained neck lump. People who use their voice for work may need earlier advice to protect it.

Ask whether infection, vocal strain, reflux, or an irritant best fits your symptoms. Ask how long to rest your voice, whether an ear-nose-throat examination is needed, and which reflux measures are appropriate.