Laryngitis

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). It causes hoarseness or loss of voice and sometimes pain or irritation in the throat. Most laryngitis is short-term (acute) and caused by a viral infection or overuse of the voice — it usually settles within 1-2 weeks without treatment.

Causes

Acute (short-term) laryngitis:

• Viral infections — the most common cause (often alongside a cold or flu)
• Bacterial infections — less common
• Voice overuse — shouting, prolonged loud speaking, singing

Chronic (long-term) laryngitis (lasting more than 3 weeks):

• Smoking and secondhand smoke
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux (acid reflux)
• Alcohol
• Chronic sinusitis with post-nasal drip
• Allergies
• Occupational voice use (teachers, singers, call-centre workers)
• Air pollution and dust
• Rarely — vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts; very rarely laryngeal cancer

Symptoms

• Hoarse voice or loss of voice
• Tickling or raw feeling in the throat
• Mild throat pain
• Dry cough
• Need to clear the throat often

Self-care

• Rest the voice — avoid whispering (which actually strains the voice more), and try to talk less
• Drink plenty of fluids — warm water, soups
• Steam inhalation
• Suck on lozenges
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Use a humidifier if air is dry

When to see a doctor

• Hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks
• Severe pain or difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing, stridor (high-pitched sound with breathing), especially in a child
• Coughing up blood
• Fever that doesn't settle
• Voice loss with other symptoms (unexplained weight loss, neck lumps, ear pain)

Persistent hoarseness in a smoker or a heavy drinker warrants urgent ENT review to rule out laryngeal cancer.