What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is when your larynx (voice box) gets inflamed. Your vocal cords become swollen and can't vibrate properly. This will cause your voice to sound hoarse (rough or scratchy), or you might lose your voice.

Laryngitis might be caused by a virus or overuse of your voice.

Most people recover from laryngitis without any medical treatment.

What symptoms are related to laryngitis?

The symptoms of laryngitis include:

• low, hoarse voice
• difficulty speaking
• sore, dry or tickly throat
• mild fever
• irritating cough or wheeze

Laryngitis is often part of another illness such as a cold or influenza (flu), so you may also have other symptoms such as:

• headache
• runny nose
• swollen glands
• pain or difficulty when swallowing

If your voice is hoarse, or if you've lost your voice, it may last for up to a week after your other symptoms are better.

What causes laryngitis?

Laryngitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. COVID-19 may also lead to laryngitis and a hoarse voice.

Bacterial infections may also cause laryngitis, although this is rare.

You can also get laryngitis if you strain or overuse your voice due to long periods of talking, shouting or singing.

Damage or trauma to the vocal cords can cause laryngitis. This can include recent intubation (a breathing tube being put into your lungs) for surgery.

Laryngitis is said to be chronic (long term) when it lasts for more than 3 weeks. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by:

• smoking or excessive alcohol use
• breathing in irritants or allergens, such as fumes, dust and chemicals
• reflux
• repeated strain on your vocal cords, such as in singers
• an injury to your vocal cords or growths on your vocal cords
• a sinus infection
• some neurological conditions

How is the cause of laryngitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms to find out the cause of your laryngitis. They will examine you and listen to your voice. They may arrange some tests, or refer you to a specialist if they suspect anything serious.

When should I see my doctor?

Laryngitis will usually get better on its own, so most people don't need to see a doctor for treatment.

See your doctor if you have:

• trouble breathing
• swollen lymph nodes
• had an injury to your neck or throat
• symptoms for more than 10 to 14 days, or your symptoms keep coming back

If your doctor can't find the cause of your laryngitis they might refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

How is laryngitis treated?

Self-care at home

You can help your voice recover by:

• drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol
• avoiding smoking and exposure to cigarette or vape smoke
• gargling with warm, salty water or sucking a lozenge
• resting your voice by talking as little as possible and avoiding shouting
• avoiding whispering, as this puts more strain on your voice than normal speech
• avoid nasal decongestants (these make your throat drier)

Medicines for laryngitis

As laryngitis is often due to a viral infection, you are unlikely to need antibiotics (as antibiotics do not work for viral infections).

You can use paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to help with symptoms such as a headache, fever and sore throat.

Other treatment options

If you have laryngitis due to overuse of your voice for singing or talking, you could try speech or voice therapy.

Can laryngitis be prevented?

Laryngitis can't be fully prevented. However, you can lower your chances of getting a viral infection that causes laryngitis by:

• regularly washing your hands with soap and water
• avoiding contact with others who are sick with coughs, colds or sore throats
• wearing a face mask in crowded places
• getting vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and COVID-19.

Learn more about routine childhood vaccinations.

You can also lower your chances of getting laryngitis by not:

• yelling or shouting
• singing loudly
• overusing your voice
• smoking or vaping

What are the complications of laryngitis?

Laryngitis usually goes away on its own and doesn't cause complications.

In children, severe untreated laryngitis can lead to throat obstruction (blockage).

Resources and support

Visit Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to read more on how to manage colds and flu in babies and children.

If you need help to quit smoking or vaping visit Quitline or call 13 7848.

Visit NSW Health to learn more about respiratory infectious diseases.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.