Laryngitis
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). In most cases, it getsbetter without treatment in about aweek.
Symptoms of laryngitiscan begin suddenly and usually get worse over a period of two to three days.Common symptoms of laryngitis include:
The hoarse voice and speaking difficulties usually get worse each day you're ill and may last for up to a week afterthe other symptoms have gone.
In a few cases,the larynx can swell andcause breathing difficulties. This isn't common in adults but can occur in young children who have smaller, narrower windpipes.
Laryngitis is often linked to another illness, such as a cold , flu , throat infection ( pharyngitis ) or tonsillitis , so you might also have other symptoms such as:
As laryngitis often gets better quickly without treatment, you normally only need to see your GP if the symptoms are particularly severe or they last longer than two weeks.
You shouldseek immediate medicalhelp if you or your child experience breathing difficulties.
If you see your GP, they'll discuss the possible causes with you and may refer you for tests or to a specialist in hospital.
This is known as acute laryngitis.
Laryngitis canoccasionally have other causes, such as smoking, alcohol misuse or an allergic reaction , and the symptoms can last much longer. This is known as chronic laryngitis.
Most cases oflaryngitis get better without treatment within a week. To help your vocal cords heal, it's important not to smoke, to avoid smoky environments, drink plenty of fluids (particularly water)and try to rest your voice as much as possible.
In some cases, it may be possible to treat the underlying cause of laryngitis. For example, if the symptoms arecaused byan allergic reaction, you may be able avoid the substance you're allergic to, or take medication to help control your body's response to the substance.
As laryngitis is often caused by acommon viral infection, such as a cold or flu, it's not always possible to prevent it.
However, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by:
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Symptoms of laryngitis can begin suddenly and usually get worse over a period of two to three days
Laryngitis occurs when the larynx (voice box) becomes irritated and inflamed (swollen). It is mostly caused by an infection or damage to the larynx.
Laryngitis often gets better without treatment, so you don't usually need to see your GP unless you have particularly severe or long-lasting symptoms.
In most cases, laryngitis gets better within a week without treatment. See your GP if your symptoms dare severe or haven't improved after two weeks