Laryngitis

Treatment:

Since most common laryngitis is viral, treatment with antibiotics is generally not indicated. Your health care provider will make this decision. Voice rest helps both the voice and to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may provide comfort for the scratchy feeling sometimes associated with laryngitis. Decongestants and analgesics may provide some symptomatic relief from the accompanying upper respiratory infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected.

Complications:

On rare occasions severe respiratory distress requiring medical intervention may develop.

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.

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.