Laryngitis

Home care

• Rest your voice until it recovers. Talk as little as possible. If your symptoms are severe, rest at home for a day or so.

• Moist air may help your symptoms. Try breathing cool steam from a humidifier or breathe air from a steamy shower.

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.

• If you smoke, quit. Ask your doctor for resources to help you quit.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor or this facility if you are not better after 1 week. If your hoarse voice lasts more than 2 weeks, you may need to see an otolaryngologist. This is a doctor who treats diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Seeing this doctor is even more important if you have a history of alcohol or tobacco use.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Symptoms that get worse.

• Severe pain with swallowing.

• Trouble opening your mouth.

• Neck swelling, neck pain, or trouble moving your neck.

• A fever of 100.4°F (38.ºC) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• Symptoms that do not go away in 2 weeks.

Call 911

Call 911 if you:

• Have noisy breathing or trouble breathing.

• Are drooling or not able to swallow.

• Are not able to talk.

• Feel dizzy or lightheaded.