Laryngitis is inflammation of your voice box (larynx).
Symptoms of laryngitis include a croaky voice, difficulty speaking and a sore throat.
Laryngitis usually gets better on its own. You can ease symptoms by resting your voice and drinking fluids. Cough and throat medicines can also help.
Laryngitis is often caused by an infection like a cold or flu. It can also be caused by an allergy to things like dust or fumes.
Symptoms of laryngitis include a croaky voice, difficulty speaking and a sore throat.
Laryngitis usually comes on suddenly and gets worse during the first 3 days.
The main symptoms are:
Children can also:
Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses, such as colds and flu, so you may also have other symptoms.
Laryngitis usually gets better on its own. You can ease symptoms by resting your voice and drinking fluids. Cough and throat medicines can also help.
Laryngitis usually goes away on its own after 1 to 2 weeks and you do not need to see a GP.
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)
do not talk loudly or whisper – both strain your voice
do not smoke
do not spend time in smoky or dusty places
do not drink too much caffeine or alcohol – they cause dehydration
Speak to a pharmacist about your sore throat.
They can give advice and suggest treatments, including:
Laryngitis is often caused by an infection like a cold or flu. It can also be caused by an allergy to things like dust or fumes.