Laryngitis: symptoms, treatment and how long it lasts

The NHS says 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 and a sore throat. NHS inform adds difficulty speaking and a mild fever, and says the hoarse voice and speaking difficulties usually get worse each day you are ill.

Children can also have a temperature of 38C or above, be off their food or drink, or, rarely, have difficulty breathing. Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses such as colds and flu, so you may also have other symptoms such as headache, swollen glands and a runny nose.

The NHS says laryngitis usually goes away on its own after 1 to 2 weeks and that you do not need to see a GP. NHS inform says in most cases it gets better without treatment in about a week, and that the hoarse voice and speaking difficulties may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone.

NHS inform describes acute laryngitis as usually passing within a week, and says laryngitis can occasionally last much longer, which is known as chronic laryngitis and can be caused by smoking, alcohol misuse and reflux.

It depends on the cause. The NHS says laryngitis usually happens when you have an infection from a virus, such as a cold or flu, and NHS inform says it is often caused by a viral infection, or by irritation to the larynx such as from straining the voice or reflux.

Neither page states in so many words that laryngitis itself is contagious. NHS inform does advise avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections such as a cold or flu, and washing your hands often, to reduce the risk of laryngitis. Laryngitis caused by voice strain, reflux or allergy is not passed on.

The NHS says there are things you can do yourself to help ease the symptoms. A pharmacist can also give advice on a sore throat and suggest treatments including paracetamol or ibuprofen, cough syrup, and solutions to gargle or lozenges for the pain.

The NHS says to see a GP if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, or if you keep getting laryngitis or voice problems. NHS inform likewise says to speak to your GP practice if symptoms are particularly severe or last longer than 2 weeks, or if you or your child have breathing difficulties.

The NHS says to contact 111 now if it is very painful or difficult to swallow, and to call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child are having difficulty breathing. NHS inform notes that in a few cases the larynx can swell and cause breathing difficulties, which is not common in adults but can happen in young children with smaller, narrower windpipes.

The NHS says the GP will try to work out what has caused your laryngitis. They may look inside your throat using a small mirror, wipe a cotton bud around the back of your throat for testing, arrange a blood test, or refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you keep getting laryngitis. If it is caused by an infection, the GP might prescribe antibiotics.

NHS inform says that in some cases the underlying cause can be treated, for example by avoiding an allergen or taking medication to control an allergy.

The NHS says laryngitis usually happens when you have an infection from a virus, such as a cold or flu, and that a flu vaccination will help prevent you getting flu. Other things that cause it include allergies to things like dust and fumes, acid from your stomach coming up your throat (acid reflux), coughing over a long time, and clearing your throat all the time.

The NHS says children can also have a temperature of 38C or above, be off their food or drink, or have difficulty breathing, although this is rare. A child with difficulty breathing needs 999 or A&E. NHS inform says to contact your GP practice if your child has breathing difficulties or symptoms that are severe or last longer than 2 weeks.

NHS inform lists ways to reduce the risk, noting that as laryngitis is often caused by common viral infections it is not always possible to prevent:

• Avoid smoking and irritants such as smoke or dust.

• Have the flu vaccine every year if you are eligible.

• Wash your hands often, especially before handling food and after using the toilet.

• Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections, particularly if you are prone to laryngitis.

• Raise your head with pillows when sleeping to protect your larynx from acid reflux.

• Avoid regularly clearing your throat, and avoid shouting or singing loudly for long periods.

• Follow the low-risk drinking guidelines for alcohol.

Most laryngitis is managed at home with advice from a pharmacist. If it does not settle, a GP can assess you, and an ENT specialist can be involved if it keeps recurring.

Private ENT clinics also see people with persistent hoarseness. Because a voice change that lasts more than 2 weeks needs to be checked, the NHS advice to see a GP applies whichever route you choose.