What Is Laryngitis?
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Medically reviewed by Angela Ryan Lee, MD
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box), and is a common cause of hoarseness or a hoarse voice. When the voice box or vocal cords are inflamed, it can cause hoarseness, loss of voice, and a sore, dry, or itchy throat. Viral infections, allergies, inhalation of irritants or medications, smoking, and voice overuse can cause laryngitis.
Treatment for laryngitis focuses on relieving symptoms and healing the vocal cords and may include at-home comfort measures or medications, depending on the cause. Laryngitis affects people of all ages, though it is most common in adults, especially those who use their voices extensively, such as singers and teachers.
Types
Laryngitis can be acute (lasting for a short period) or chronic (persisting for weeks or months). Identifying the type of laryngitis you have helps healthcare providers tailor the most appropriate treatment plan and offer targeted interventions to relieve symptoms and promote healing of the vocal cords.
Acute laryngitis is temporary and typically lasts one to two weeks. Infections and trauma or injury to the voice box are common causes of acute laryngitis.
Chronic laryngitis lasts three weeks or longer and often develops gradually, with symptoms coming and going over a long period. Smoking, allergies, acid reflux, and vocal cord damage are common causes of chronic laryngitis.
Laryngitis Symptoms
The most recognizable symptom of laryngitis is a hoarse or raspy voice. Sometimes, the voice may become extremely weak, almost like a whisper, or disappear altogether. Other symptoms of laryngitis include:
Sore throat: Laryngitis can cause a sore, dry, or scratchy throat.
Dry cough: Laryngitis can occur with a dry, persistent cough that may worsen as the condition progresses.
Throat irritation: The inflamed larynx can cause irritation or tickling, leading to frequent throat clearing.
Difficulty speaking or vocal fatigue: People with laryngitis may struggle to speak or may experience fatigue while talking.
Related: How Long Is Too Long to Have a Cough?
What Causes Laryngitis?
Laryngitis occurs when the voice box (larynx) is inflamed. Environmental and lifestyle factors that irritate the voice box or vocal cords can lead to laryngitis.
Acute Laryngitis Causes
Acute laryngitis is temporary, lasting two weeks or less. It is most commonly caused by viral infections, particularly upper respiratory infections such as the common cold or influenza (flu). These viruses infect the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness and loss of voice.
Other causes of acute laryngitis include:
Talking, shouting, or singing for extended periods
Injury or trauma to the throat
Bacterial or fungal infection
Dry air (acute laryngitis is most common in winter months)
Coughing
Chronic Laryngitis Causes
Chronic laryngitis persists for three weeks or longer and is often associated with chronic health conditions. Common causes of chronic laryngitis include:
Acid reflux (GERD)
Allergies
Bronchitis
Excessive alcohol use
Frequent voice overuse (e.g., teaching, singing, public speaking)
Laryngeal cancer
Prolonged exposure to chemical irritants
Recurrent sinusitis (sinus infections)
Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
Vocal cord nodules ("nodes") or polyps
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing laryngitis, such as:
Extensive use of your voice (e.g., vocally demanding professions)
Having a respiratory infection (e.g., cold, flu)
Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke
Chronic throat clearing
Certain medical conditions (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps)
Diagnosis
To diagnose laryngitis, your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and assess your medical history. They will ask about your symptoms, including when they began. They may ask whether you’ve had a recent upper respiratory infection and whether you frequently use your voice or are exposed to chemicals at work. Your healthcare provider will look at your throat to identify signs of inflammation, such as redness and swelling.
While laryngitis is often diagnosed based on symptoms, your healthcare provider may order a laryngoscopy test to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause. A laryngoscopy involves a flexible or rigid scope (long, thin instrument) with a light and a camera attached. This tool allows them to visualize your larynx and vocal cords to see inflammation, swelling, or structural abnormalities (e.g., polyps).
Treatments for Laryngitis
Laryngitis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, promoting healing of the voice box and vocal cords, and addressing the underlying cause. Treatment approaches vary based on the type, severity, and cause of laryngitis and may include at-home treatments, medication, or voice therapy.
At-Home Treatments
Most cases of acute laryngitis are self-limiting, meaning it resolves with time and self-care. At-home treatments for laryngitis can include:
Voice rest: Resting your voice gives your voice box and vocal cords a chance to heal. Minimize talking, whispering, singing, and other activities that can strain your voice when possible.
Hydration: Adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your vocal cords lubricated and soothe your throat
Humidifier: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam can add moisture to the air, which helps soothe the throat and alleviate dryness or irritation.
Gargling with salt: Gargling with a warm saltwater solution can help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase the duration and severity of laryngitis and cause coughing, leading to further larynx irritation. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke can promote healing.
Medication
Medication isn't always needed for laryngitis. However, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort and would like additional relief, talk to your healthcare provider over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or throat lozenges, which can help relieve throat discomfort and reduce inflammation. Throat sprays or gargles may provide temporary relief as well.
It is also important to treat underlying causes, if relevant. Allergies, acid reflux, or other underlying conditions contributing to laryngitis may require specific treatments, such as antihistamines or medications to reduce stomach acid.
Viral laryngitis is the most common type. Less commonly, a bacterial or fungal cause may be identified by your healthcare provider. In these cases, antibiotics or antifungal drugs may be used. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and antifungal medications can help clear a fungal infection.
Related: What Is the Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Infection?
Voice Therapy
If you have chronic or recurrent laryngitis, your healthcare provider may refer you to a speech-language pathologist for voice therapy. In voice therapy, you will learn proper vocal techniques and behaviors to optimize your vocal health and prevent future vocal cord injuries. Voice therapy treatment programs vary but generally involve 1-2 weekly therapy sessions for up to 8 weeks.
Related: 5 Ways to Treat a Sore Throat
Prevention
It is not always possible to prevent acute laryngitis, mainly because respiratory infections commonly cause it. Preventive measures may lower your risk of laryngitis or help prevent chronic laryngitis. These include:
Use proper vocal techniques, such as speaking at an appropriate volume and avoiding yelling and excessive throat clearing
If you use your voice a lot for work, take breaks to rest, particularly when your voice feels tired or hoarse
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated
Limit your exposure to irritants that can cause throat irritation, such as smoke, chemicals, and pollutants
If you have allergies, reduce your exposure to known allergens
Use humidifiers indoors, especially in the winter months or if you live in a dry environment
Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes
Limit alcohol consumption
Related Conditions
Some conditions are commonly associated with chronic laryngitis, such as:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn. Repeated exposure to stomach acid can irritate the larynx and cause or worsen chronic laryngitis.
Vocal cord nodules/polyps are benign growths on the vocal cords that can result from vocal cord abuse or misuse. Chronic laryngitis, especially due to excessive voice use, can contribute to the development of these nodules or polyps.
Chronic respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause airway inflammation.
Allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages and throat. This inflammation can extend to the larynx and lead to chronic laryngitis.
A Quick Review
Laryngitis occurs when the larynx (voice box) is inflamed, leading to hoarseness, voice loss, and sore throat. Viral infections, voice strain, and acid reflux are common causes. Laryngitis may be acute, lasting two weeks or less, or chronic, lasting three weeks or longer.
Voice rest, avoiding throat irritants, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage acute laryngitis. Treatment for chronic laryngitis may involve voice therapy and treating the underlying cause (e.g., GERD). Talk to your healthcare provider if you have signs of laryngitis, particularly if they persist for three weeks or longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How contagious is laryngitis?
Laryngitis itself is not contagious. It occurs when the voice box (larynx) becomes inflamed, often due to vocal strain or an upper respiratory infection. While laryngitis does not spread from person to person, the viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause laryngitis are contagious and can spread to others.
How long does laryngitis usually last?
Acute laryngitis, usually caused by viral infections, often resolves within a week or two with appropriate rest and care. Chronic laryngitis, which lasts longer than three weeks, requires medical attention to determine the cause and proper treatment.
Is it okay to talk with laryngitis?
It is essential to rest your voice and minimize talking to allow your inflamed vocal cords to heal. Talking excessively or straining your voice can prolong recovery and worsen symptoms.
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