Laryngitis treatment available online today
In order to manage your laryngitis, consult with one of our board-certified primary care doctors online today to learn how to relieve your loss of voice or sore or dry throat. If any prescription medications are indicated*, pick them up at your local pharmacy after a brief but thorough evaluation. *
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Manage Laryngitis symptoms and get recommendations online
Ease swelling and inflammation
Same-day appointments to evaluate throat and voice symptoms
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of laryngitis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about laryngitis
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, a hollow muscular organ between the throat and the lungs. It contains the vocal cords in humans and is also known as the "voice box." Normally, the larynx opens and closes smoothly. However, when it becomes inflamed or swollen from overuse, irritation, or infection, the sounds that pass through it can become distorted. The resulting voice sounds weak or hoarse. Some people refer to this as "losing your voice."
Laryngitis causes
Laryngitis can be caused by acute (short term) or chronic (long term) issues, including the following:
Acute Laryngitis
The majority of cases of laryngitis are temporary and self-resolving, with the symptoms going away after the underlying cause improves. Acute laryngitis is most commonly caused by:
Vocal strain - due to yelling, singing or overuse
Viral infections (viral laryngitis) - typically from upper respiratory infections that can affect the vocal cords, throat, sinuses, and airways
Bacterial infection - rare, but more common in people with recent throat or neck procedures (like intubation in the hospital)
Chronic laryngitis
Having laryngitis for more than three weeks is no longer acute laryngitis, but is considered chronic. Chronic laryngitis is due to repeatedexposure to irritants over time including the following:
Irritants in the air, such as allergens, chemical fumes, wood or tobacco smoke
Acid reflux--also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-- in which the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Chronic heavy drinking
Cancer
Persistent overuse of your voice (e.g. singers, performers, public speakers)
Vocal cord paralysis that is due to health conditions such as nerve injury from neck surgery or nerve disorders
Laryngitis symptoms
Common symptoms of laryngitis include:
Feeling ticklish in the throat
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Dry throat or cough
Voice loss
Acute laryngitis symptoms are temporary, lasting less than two weeks or so. Chronic laryngitis symptoms can last longer.
How to treat laryngitis
Acute laryngitis symptoms typically go away on their own without treatment. During the recovery period, it's important to rest your voice and drink plenty of fluids.
For chronic laryngitis symptoms, the goals are focused on treating the underlying causes, such as voice strain, allergen exposure, smoking, heartburn, or excessive drinking.
Medications can also be used to support the recovery process.
Laryngitis medication
In some cases, over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used in conjunction with rest and fluids to assist with recovery.
Over-the-counter pain relievers
You may be able to take pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen for pain management during the recovery period.
Corticosteroids
In rare cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Antibiotics
If laryngitis is caused by a known bacterial infection, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. Keep in mind that the vast majority of laryngitis cases are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are rarely indicated.
How to prevent laryngitis
Some lifestyle adjustments can be made to help prevent laryngitis. Examples include:
Avoiding any known triggers, such as chemicals, smoke, or dust
Staying hydrated, drinking lots of fluids, and getting plenty of rest
Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods to minimize reflux
Not smoking, or seeking help to quit smoking
Avoiding situations that involve yelling or making high-pitched sounds unnecessarily. If you are a professional performer or use your voice daily, then voice coaching can be very helpful in learning how to avoid excessive strain.
When to see a doctor for laryngitis
Typically, laryngitis is temporary, short-term, and goes away with rest and hydration. For chronic hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks, talk with your healthcare provider to discuss chronic laryngitis and potential underlying health conditions.
One may need immediate medical attention if the laryngitis symptoms are accompanied by:
persistent fever
increasing pain
coughing up blood
difficulty breathing
Laryngitis treatment FAQs
What is the best laryngitis treatment?
For most acute laryngitis cases, self-care, such as resting your voice and drinking plenty of water, is the best course of action. Patients can expect their larynx / vocal cords to recover in a few weeks. For chronic vocal cord irritation, it is best to consult medical professionals to determine if underlying health issues may be causing persistent laryngitis.
What is the best medicine for laryngitis?
There is no specific medicine for the treatment of acute laryngitis. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken for pain management. Treatment of chronic laryngitis depends on the ultimate cause. Very rarely, prescription corticosteroids or antibiotics may be used.
Can laryngitis be prevented?
Sometimes. While some cases of laryngitis are unavoidable, there are some lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce your chances of developing laryngitis:
Avoid situations that involve yelling or overuse of your voice box (e.g. venues playing loud music, like clubs, or loud concerts or sporting events)
Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption since these beverages tend to dehydrate you
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water daily
Avoid spicy foods since they can sometimes irritate the larynx, and cause heartburn
Avoid inhaling firsthand and secondhand smoke. If you currently smoke, talk with your doctor about help with quitting.
What is the main cause of laryngitis?
Acute laryngitis occurs due to respiratory tract infections or vocal strain.
Chronic laryngitis is caused by exposure to irritants over a long period of time. Some potential causes are:constant inhalation of airborne irritants (e.g. smoke, chemical fumes, allergens)
persistent overuse of your voice (e.g. singers, public speakers)
acid reflux
How long does it take to recover from laryngitis?
You can typically expect to recover from laryngitis in a week or so, with adequate voice rest and enough hydration. If the symptoms of laryngitis last longer, it may indicate underlying health conditions or illnesses. Talk to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Do you need an antibiotic for laryngitis?
Typically, laryngitis is caused by viral infections, so antibiotics are neither effective nor necessary. However, in rare cases where bacterial infections are the cause, doctors will prescribe antibiotics that target the specific bacteria found during diagnostic testing.
3 simple steps to request laryngitis treatment
Step 1
Book a laryngitis treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your laryngitis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat laryngitis.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy,
Related conditions to laryngitis
Laryngitis is related to other health conditions such as flu, cold, or tonsillitis.
Laryngitis can be confused with pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx, also commonly known as a sore throat.
If the laryngitis is due to upper respiratory infection, the infection can potentially spread to the rest of the respiratory tract.
Laryngitis treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request laryngitis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Laryngitis Resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Cleveland Clinic. "Laryngitis." Accessed on September 25, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22268-laryngitis
Mayo Clinic. "Laryngitis - Symptoms & Causes." Accessed on September 25, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374262
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.