Laryngitis

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of your voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation, or infection. It is very common, and most cases aren’t serious.

Symptoms can include:

Hoarseness
Weak voice or voice loss
Tickling sensation and rawness in your throat
Sore throat
Dry throat
Dry cough

Laryngitis can be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis is usually mild and only lasts three to seven days. If the condition lasts more than three weeks, then it is considered chronic.

Acute laryngitis can be caused by:

Viral infections
Vocal strain caused by yelling or overusing your voice
Bacterial infections (these are less common)

Chronic laryngitis can be caused by:

Inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens, or smoke
Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Chronic sinusitis
Excessive alcohol use
Habitual overuse of your voice (such as in singers or cheerleaders)
Smoking

UR Medicine's Treatments for Laryngitis

Acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week, but if you are experiencing laryngitis for more than two weeks, it is important to make an appointment with your primary care provider or schedule an virtual urgent care visit. If left untreated, voice disorders can affect your quality of life. Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may refer you to the Voice Center.

The UR Medicine Voice Center is here to help, providing state-of-the-art evaluation and care for people with voice disorders, including laryngitis.

Most treatments for chronic laryngitis aim to treat underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking, or excessive use of alcohol.

Other treatments may include:

Antibiotics
Corticosteroids
Voice therapy
Surgery

What Sets Us Apart?

We are the only voice center in Upstate New York with a comprehensive team of voice experts with special training to evaluate and treat patients with voice, swallowing, and breathing problems.

UR Medicine Voice Center includes ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physicians, speech-language pathologists, and singing specialists who are fellowship-trained, the highest level of training.

Our experts work collaboratively to provide the best possible care and treatment for our patients. Using the latest treatment techniques, we will work to identify the cause of your voice disorder, treat it quickly and effectively, and improve your overall vocal health.