Laryngitis

Laryngitis | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Laryngitis Laryngitis Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). In most cases, it gets better without treatment in about a week. Symptoms of laryngitis Symptoms of laryngitis can begin suddenly and usually get worse over a period of 2 to 3 days. Common symptoms of laryngitis include: hoarseness difficulty speaking sore throat mild fever irritating cough a constant need to clear your throat The hoarse voice and speaking difficulties usually get worse each day youre ill. They may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone. In a few cases, the larynx can swell and cause breathing difficulties. This isnt common in adults but can happen in young children who have smaller, narrower windpipes. Laryngitis is often linked to another illness. For example, a cold , flu , throat infection or tonsillitis . So you might also have other symptoms such as: a headache swollen glands runny nose pain when swallowing feeling tired and achy When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: You or your child: have symptoms that are particularly severe or they last longer than 2 weeks experience breathing difficulties Things you can do to help your symptoms Do drink plenty of water try to rest your voice as much as possible Dont do not smoke do not spend time in smoky or dusty places Treating the underlying cause If you see your GP, theyll discuss the possible causes with you and may refer you for tests or to a specialist in hospital. In some cases, it may be possible to treat the underlying cause of laryngitis. For example, if the symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction, you may be able to: avoid the thing youre allergic to take medication to help control your allergy What causes laryngitis In most cases, laryngitis is caused by either: a viral infection  such as a cold or flu irritation to your larynx  for example by straining your voice or reflux In these cases, most of the symptoms usually pass within a week. This is known as acute laryngitis. Laryngitis can occasionally last much longer. This is known as chronic laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by: smoking alcohol misuse reflux How to prevent laryngitis As laryngitis is often caused by a common viral infection, such as a cold or flu, its not always possible to prevent it. There are things you can reduce your risk of developing the condition. Do avoid smoking make sure you have the flu vaccine every year if youre eligible wash your hands often, especially before handling food and after using the toilet avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections, such as a cold or flu  particularly if youre prone to laryngitis avoid irritants, such as smoke or dust  particularly if you have a cold or other respiratory infection raise your head with pillows when youre sleeping to protect your larynx from any acid reflux from your stomach during sleep avoid regularly clearing your throat as this can irritate the larynx  try small sips of water instead follow the low-risk drinking guidelines when drinking alcohol avoid shouting or singing loudly or for long periods of time Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 28 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Common cold Flu Tonsillitis NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852