Laryngitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Laryngitis?
A primary care doctor can check laryngitis, which is swelling of the voice box. An otolaryngologist, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, sees people whose hoarseness lasts a long time. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is laryngitis?
Laryngitis is swelling and irritation of the voice box, which is also called the larynx. The voice box holds your vocal cords. When the vocal cords swell, your voice can turn hoarse, meaning raspy or rough. Laryngitis is one of the most common causes of hoarseness.
Laryngitis usually goes away by itself within 1 to 2 weeks.
Symptoms
Laryngitis usually comes on suddenly and gets worse during the first 3 days. The main symptoms are:
- A hoarse (croaky) voice.
- Sometimes losing your voice.
- An irritating cough that does not go away.
- Always needing to clear your throat.
- A sore throat.
Fever and swollen glands in the neck can also happen. Children can also have a fever and be off their food or drink. Laryngitis is often linked to other illnesses, such as colds and flu, so you may also have other symptoms.
Causes and who gets it
The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. Other causes include allergies, a bacterial infection, bronchitis, injury to the throat, and irritants and chemicals.
Overusing your voice can also cause it. Cheering at sporting events, talking too long without rest, or singing loudly can cause temporary hoarseness.
Acid reflux can play a part too. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid rises up the throat and irritates the tissues. This can cause hoarseness.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your health history and how long you have been hoarse. A physical exam can often show whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection, an infection of the nose, throat, or airways. A doctor may also look inside your throat with a small mirror, take a swab from the back of your throat for testing, or arrange a blood test.
If hoarseness lasts more than a month, especially in smokers, an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) should see you. The specialist will examine the throat and upper airway, often with a flexible scope, a thin lighted tube that gives a close view of the voice box.
Treatment
Laryngitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics likely will not help. Your provider will decide whether you need them. If an infection is the cause, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics.
Resting your voice helps to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. You can also try these steps:
- Speak as little as possible, and drink plenty of fluids.
- Do not talk loudly or whisper, because both strain your voice.
- Use a humidifier, which may soothe the scratchy feeling, or keep the air moist with bowls of water.
- Do not smoke, and stay out of smoky or dusty places.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, because they can cause dehydration.
Decongestants and pain medicines may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. A pharmacist can suggest lozenges and other treatments. If acid reflux is the cause, it is treated with changes to your diet and medicines that reduce stomach acid. If you use your voice for work and are often hoarse, your doctor may suggest a speech-language pathologist for voice therapy, which teaches vocal exercises and ways to protect your voice.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if hoarseness has lasted more than 2 weeks in an adult or more than 1 week in a child. Also get care if a child under 3 months old is hoarse, or if you keep getting laryngitis or voice problems.
Get medical advice right away if swallowing is very painful or difficult. Some forms of laryngitis in children, such as croup and epiglottitis, can block breathing and be dangerous.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child have trouble breathing or abnormal, noisy breathing, or if your child cannot eat, drink, or swallow. In rare cases, laryngitis causes severe breathing distress that needs immediate medical attention.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can check your throat and symptoms, decide whether you need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and follow up if your voice problems keep coming back.
Common questions
How long does laryngitis last?
Laryngitis usually goes away by itself within 1 to 2 weeks. Contact your provider if hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks in an adult or more than 1 week in a child.
Do antibiotics help laryngitis?
Usually not, because laryngitis is often caused by a virus. Your provider will decide whether antibiotics are needed.
Should I whisper if I lose my voice?
No, whispering strains your voice. Try to speak as little as possible instead, and drink plenty of fluids.
Can acid reflux cause laryngitis?
Yes, acid reflux can cause hoarseness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can irritate the voice box when stomach acid rises up the throat.
Can laryngitis be prevented?
Yes, these steps can help prevent it. Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season, wash your hands often, do not strain your voice, and stop smoking.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Laryngitis
- NHS - Laryngitis
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders - Hoarseness
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
