Hoarseness and loss of voice may worsen at first and last for up to a week after other symptoms are gone. Laryngitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Bacterial infection may also cause laryngitis, although this is rare. You can also get laryngitis if you strain or overuse your voice by yelling or after long periods of talking, shouting or singing.
Laryngitis is said to be chronic or long term when it lasts for more than 3 weeks. Chronic laryngitis is usually caused by:. However, if you have trouble breathing , your lymph nodes are swollen or your symptoms last more than 2 weeks, see your doctor. Your doctor will probably ask you a few questions to find out the cause of your laryngitis.
They may order some tests or refer you to a specialist if they suspect anything serious. Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. You can use paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to help with symptoms such as a headache, fever and sore throat. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. A sore throat makes swallowing difficult and painful.
Sore throat is common because it is associated with the common cold. Find out what products are available for sore throat. Read more on myDr website. Find out about sore throat treatments including self-help measures, painkillers, lozenges, and when antibiotics are needed. Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website. Streptococcal sore throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
Read more on SA Health website. Children often get sore throats. A sore throat is sometimes called pharyngitis. This is to check for a possible viral, bacterial or fungal infection. If your GP thinks you need to see a specialist, they may refer you to an ear, nose and throat ENT specialist for some of the tests described below. A laryngoscopy is a test that involves examining your larynx using a thin tube containing a camera and light source endoscope , which can be passed into your throat through either your nose or mouth.
This test allows your doctor to assess any damage to your larynx. Laryngoscopies carried out through the nose are not painful, but it can be uncomfortable and the tube may trigger your gag reflex, which can make you feel like you want to be sick it's highly unlikely that you actually will be sick. Local anaesthetic can be used to numb your nose and throat, which should help reduce these feelings. If you're having persistent problems with your voice, you might be asked to talk or sing while your larynx is examined.
This may help your doctor determine why you're having problems with your voice. For laryngoscopies carried out through the mouth, general anaesthetic is used. This means you'll be asleep during the examination. You can often go home on the day you have this procedure, although an overnight stay in hospital is sometimes recommended.
Your ENT specialist may also want to make sure your symptoms aren't the result of laryngeal cancer. Alcohol and tobacco are the two main things that can increase your risk of developing laryngeal cancer. The more you drink or smoke, the higher your risk of developing laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer is uncommon, but it's important to confirm it or rule it out quickly because the sooner laryngeal cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be.
In most cases, laryngitis gets better within a week without treatment. See your GP if your symptoms are severe or haven't improved after two weeks. Vocal therapy is a type of speech and language therapy that involves studying how you use your voice and how this may contribute to your symptoms. You may be given information and advice about any changes you can make or voice exercises you can do to prevent further damage to your larynx. Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Laryngitis.
Laryngitis See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About laryngitis 2. Causes of laryngitis 3. Diagnosing laryngitis 4. Treating laryngitis. About laryngitis Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx voice box. 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 you're ill and may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone.
Laryngitis is often linked to another illness, such as a cold , flu , throat infection pharyngitis 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 seek medical help As laryngitis often gets better quickly without treatment, you normally only need to see your GP if the symptoms are particularly severe or they last longer than two weeks.
You should seek immediate medical help if you or your child experience breathing difficulties. Read more about diagnosing laryngitis Why it happens In most cases, laryngitis is caused by either: a viral infection — such as a cold or flu , or damage to your larynx — usually by straining your voice In these cases, most of the symptoms usually pass within a week. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Warm water helps salt dissolve. Gargle with the solution then spit it out. Do not swallow it. Repeat as often as you like. This is not suitable for younger children. Find a pharmacy.
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