Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). In most cases, it gets better without treatment in about a week.
Symptoms of laryngitis can begin suddenly and usually get worse over a period of 2 to 3 days.
Common symptoms of laryngitis include:
The hoarse voice and speaking difficulties usually get worse each day you’re ill. They may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone.
In a few cases, the larynx can swell and cause breathing difficulties. This isn’t common in adults but can happen in young children who have smaller, narrower windpipes.
Laryngitis is often linked to another illness. For example, a cold, flu, throat infection or tonsillitis. So you might also have other symptoms such as:
You or your child:
If you see your GP, they’ll discuss the possible causes with you and may refer you for tests or to a specialist in hospital.
In some cases, it may be possible to treat the underlying cause of laryngitis. For example, if the symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction, you may be able to:
In most cases, laryngitis is caused by either:
In these cases, most of the symptoms usually pass within a week. This is known as acute laryngitis.
Laryngitis can occasionally last much longer. This is known as chronic laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by:
As laryngitis is often caused by a common viral infection, such as a cold or flu, it’s not always possible to prevent it.
There are things you can reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Last updated:
07 March 2024