Overview
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box), causing a hoarse, weak, or temporarily lost voice. The most common cause is a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Acute laryngitis usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Chronic laryngitis (lasting more than 3 weeks) has distinct causes and may require specialist investigation.
How common is it?
Laryngitis often occurs with a cold or another viral respiratory infection. Voice strain and irritation can also cause it, and recurrent symptoms need assessment.
Causes and risk factors
Acute laryngitis is almost always viral. Chronic laryngitis reflects persistent irritation from reflux, voice overuse, smoking, or other environmental exposures.
Common risk factors
- Viral infection (rhinovirus, influenza, parainfluenza)
- Bacterial laryngitis (less common; Streptococcus, Haemophilus)
- Voice overuse or misuse (screaming, prolonged singing)
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (stomach acid reaching the larynx)
- Smoking and alcohol
- Dry or dusty environment
- Inhaled corticosteroid deposition (from asthma inhaler)
- Fungal laryngitis (Candida, in immunocompromised patients)
Symptoms
- Hoarse, rough, or weakened voice
- Dry, tickly cough
- Sore or raw throat
- Voice fatigue, especially towards end of day
- Complete voice loss (aphonia) in severe cases
- Mild throat pain and swallowing discomfort
When to see a doctor
Call your local emergency number for difficulty breathing or noisy breathing with distress. Seek urgent medical advice for very painful or difficult swallowing. See a clinician if symptoms have not improved after two weeks, recur, or you develop a neck lump. Persistent unexplained hoarseness needs assessment, particularly in smokers.
Diagnosis
Clinical assessment. Laryngoscopy (direct or flexible fibre-optic) for cases lasting more than 3 weeks or with concerning features. Culture swab if bacterial or fungal infection suspected. Reflux assessment if suspected cause.
Treatments
Voice rest
Speak as little as possible while your voice recovers. Avoid whispering and talking loudly, as these strain the voice.
Hydration and moist air
Drink fluids and keep the air comfortably moist. Do not lean over boiling water or hot steam.
Treatment of underlying cause
Proton pump inhibitors for reflux-related laryngitis. Antifungals for candidal laryngitis. Speech therapy for voice misuse. Smoking cessation for chronic laryngitis.
Antibiotics
Not indicated for viral laryngitis. Reserved for confirmed bacterial secondary infection.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Avoid whispering (it is just as straining as normal voice)
- Avoid throat clearing (use a silent swallow instead)
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
- Use humidifiers in dry environments
Prevention
Proper vocal technique, treatment of reflux, stopping smoking, and good respiratory hygiene (handwashing during respiratory illness season) reduce laryngitis risk.
Sources for targeted updates
Updated: 24 October 2026. Urgent-care guidance and the specific treatment or self-care statements corrected in this update; further corrections to urgent-care guidance, frequency, key facts. This update covers the named sections; a full review of the remaining guide is pending.