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Laryngitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

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

Voice rest helps by reducing the inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain killers may relieve symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, if present.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected in laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition.

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if there is difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or if drooling is present in a small child who is not teething.

Call your health care provider if hoarseness is present in a child less than 3 months old.

Call your health care provider if hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child or 2 weeks in an adult.

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

Rakel P, ed. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2007 . 59th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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