Laryngitis how long should it last

For laryngitis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis The most common sign of laryngitis is hoarseness. More Information Needle biopsy. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Bruch JM, et al. Hoarseness in adults.

Accessed June 25, Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Elsevier; Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed July 2, Accessed July 6, Kahrilas PJ. Complications of gastroesophageal reflex in adults.

Dysphonia hoarseness. Mayo Clinic; Check if you have laryngitis Laryngitis usually comes on suddenly and gets worse during the first 3 days. The main symptoms are: a hoarse croaky voice sometimes losing your voice an irritating cough that does not go away always needing to clear your throat a sore throat Children can also: have a temperature of 38C or above be off their food or drink have difficulty breathing but this is rare Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses, such as colds and flu, so you may also have other symptoms.

How you can treat laryngitis yourself Laryngitis usually goes away on its own after 1 to 2 weeks and you do not need to see a GP. Do try to speak as little as possible drink plenty of fluids keep the air moist by putting out bowls of water — central heating and air conditioning make the air dry gargle with warm salty water children should not try this.

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Treatment for chronic laryngitis is aimed at the underlying cause and will vary. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine, pain relievers, or a glucocorticosteroid. If you have stomach acid refluxing and going into your voice box, your doctor may prescribe therapy to address this. Your doctor may recommend surgery if either of these conditions have caused significant vocal cord dysfunction.

Vocal cord polyp removal is typically an outpatient procedure. Your doctor may recommend collagen injections or surgery for loose or paralyzed vocal cords. General healthy practices will help you to avoid chronic laryngitis.

Washing your hands and avoiding contact with others who have the flu or cold will limit the risk of catching a virus. People who use their voices excessively for a living should take frequent breaks. Talk to your doctor about other ways you can reduce the possibility of inflammation.

You should avoid working in locations that constantly expose you to harsh chemicals. People who smoke should quit immediately to lower their risk of inflammation. Avoiding excessive alcohol intake is also recommended. There are several different forms of laryngitis and some are more contagious than others.

We'll discuss which types are most contagious. Laryngitis is when your voice box or vocal cords become inflamed from overuse, irritation, or infection.

It comes in both acute and chronic forms. Many health conditions affect men more than women. Read more on these diseases and what to watch out for. Experts say the trauma and intensity of cancer treatments can cause insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD.