Symptoms:

• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck

Signs and tests:

A physical examination can determine whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.

Patients with hoarseness that lasts for more than a month (especially smokers) will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) for tests of the throat and upper airway.

Treatment:

Because most common laryngitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics may not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.

Resting your voice helps by reducing inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and painkillers may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, if you have one.

Expectations (prognosis):

Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition should get better.

Complications:

Rarely, severe respiratory distress may develop. This will require medical attention.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling
• A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness
• Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult

Prevention:

• Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid crowded places.

Stopping smoking may help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which may lead to hoarseness.