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- Written By: Diana Bocco
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 14 January 2012
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx characterized by voice loss and irritation of the vocal cords. There are many causes for laryngitis, including smoking, shouting, severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and various allergies. The most common cause of laryngitis, however, is an infection, which could be either viral or bacterial. Laryngitis can also be caused by some serious medical conditions such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, or even pneumonia.
The most common cause of viral laryngitis is an infection of the upper respiratory track, such as a cold or the flu. A viral case of laryngitis cannot be treated with antibiotics, which means your doctor will prescribe rest, steam inhalations, and lots of fluids. A viral laryngitis is not contagious and usually goes away in a couple of days. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom and avoid smoking may also help. Because there is no medication available to treat viral laryngitis, the best course of action is to treat the symptoms while waiting for the inflammation to go away on its own.
The presence of a fever usually indicates the laryngitis is bacterial. Bacterial laryngitis is contagious, and it's usually acquired from somebody else who is already sick. Bacterial laryngitis is contagious until a day or two after the last symptom has disappeared. In serious infection, this may take a couple of weeks. Aside from a high fever, other symptoms that indicate the presence of bacterial laryngitis are: severe pain rather than a simple sore throat, difficulty swallowing, colored nasal discharge, and pain extending to the ears. Bacterial laryngitis is especially serious in a child, since it can masquerade a severe condition called epiglottitis, where the airway closes almost completely.
If you think you may have bacterial laryngitis, stay home and away from other people. In most cases, your doctor will recommend a course of antibiotics and treating your symptoms at home with voice rest and hot drinks. Until the infection has cleared, it's better to minimize contact with others, as the infection can be spread without direct contact (airborne).Most cases resolve in less than a week, after which is safe to return to your normal routine.
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anon240565
Post 45 |
I get laryngitis at least 14 times a year, lasting about one 1 week every time. I have had the camera to look inside my voice box and all seems to be fine. I don't understand why I keep losing it. |
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anon237653
Post 44 |
I have had laryngitis for 12 days, yes 12. I am 36 weeks pregnant and have been to the doctor three times, and they assure me that it is viral, not bacterial and that antibiotics will not help. It started with an upper respiratory infection, then a horribly sore throat and then a full blown loss of my voice. I feel so powerless and frustrated, and do not want to go into labor w/no voice. I have been drinking a mixture that seems to be helping though: 2 tbsp. lemon juice (fresh is best) 3 cloves of garlic 1 tbsp. of honey 12 oz. of boiling water Drink this then eat the garlic (chew slowly). Also, I have been drinking 12-15 glasses of warm water/daily. It keeps me hydrated and soothes the throat. Hang in there. We will get better -- eventually. |
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amypollick
Post 43 |
@anon237014: It could certainly be heartburn, but you really need to see your OB/GYN and tell him or her about it in order to get some answers, and hopefully, some relief. |
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anon237014
Post 42 |
I am 27 months pregnant and about two weeks ago, my throat started to burn and went to my ears. I have no clue what is going on. I have no clue if it's part of my pregnancy. It is driving me crazy. I highly doubt it is heartburn. This is my first pregnancy and I've never had heartburn before. I really need help. |
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anon195631
Post 41 |
I lost my voice a few days ago and it has yet to come back. Should I go to the doctor? Or just wait it out? Is there anything i can do? I am dying! Help please! |
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anon188503
Post 40 |
Seven weeks of no voice and it just continues to get worse. I have lost all "squeakiness" and can now only talk at a whisper. When I do talk it is like trying to blow into a blocked tube it takes so much effort, but regular breathing is fine. I have had laryngitis before but it always means a bout of bronchitis. I have had blood tests for all possible bacterial and viral causes, and we have ruled out my acid reflux as it is dormant right now. Went back on the pills just in case. Waiting to see an ear/nose/throat doc so they can check it out with a camera. My GP thinks it is a growth of some kind. |
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anon171033
Post 39 |
In the past 20 years I've had laryngitis (both acute and chronic) over a dozen times since my teens, and I promise that most of the questions posted here can be answered by reading and comprehending this short article. Bottom line: Don't panic -- most people know why their voice is hoarse (last night's loud event, lots of coughing from a cold, etc.). But if you've just magically lost your voice, were you around someone lately who's been sick? Is it allergy season and are the trees doing their thing? (Don't be surprised if pollen zaps your voice -- very typical!) Just pay attention to the severity of your symptoms and don't overreact: Hoarse/voiceless and have a simple sore throat? Then rest your voice (seriously, whisper only), stay hydrated, and expect it to return in seven to ten days, depending on how much you rest it. (If you're on the road to recovery and then go out and force your voice even one night, you can go back to square one. Don’t do it! If you don't have a voice at certain times of day then you've not healed completely -- don't be fooled, continue to rest!) But if you've lost your voice for a couple days and your throat is truly, really sore (almost can't swallow, want to stomp and cry, feel like dying), your ears feel full/hot and you have a fever, you might want to see the doc, because it could be a treatable bacterial infection. Just be honest with yourself about your symptoms. In most cases you're not contagious, just accept that you'll be The (frustrated) Whisperer for some days, and eat lots of garlic-laced chicken soup! And milkshakes are a great soother. |
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anon170760
Post 38 |
I get laryngitis about every other year. Sometimes it lasts a day and has lasted as long as a month. It comes back when it wants to. Viral laryngitis is not contagious and I have never given it to anyone else. Antibiotics do not work on viral laryngitis. I seldom ever have a cold first, but sometimes a cough. I hate to tell you but your voice will clear when it wants to and the least amount of talking you do will help. I have had it this time for 2 weeks but it is now starting to clear. |
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anon166485
Post 37 |
I have some sort of laryngitis, but the catch is it's only showing during the morning and night. It's so annoying when trying to talk. |
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anon159182
Post 36 |
I have had no voice for one week - no voice at all. I am on antibiotics and doing everything suggested; fluids, lozenges, rest. But no hint of a voice still. I had to talk over people at a noisy event for five hours. And now I sit unable to work, talk etc. Very frustrating. I now have total respect for those with no voice ever. |
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anon157804
Post 35 |
Now four weeks with laryngitis. Started with flu symptoms and conjunctivitis for a week and then turned into this. Sore throat comes and goes but I need to talk at work. The doctor has told me to take week off and prescribed Amox, even its likely viral. |
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anon151848
Post 34 |
has anyone ever had laryngitis no voice with coughing and mucus? |
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anon142305
Post 33 |
I suggest just to ease up all the symptoms that you are experiencing, drink fluids frequently. even not a lot -- just enough to keep your throat and mouth wet. ginger ale is best for sore throat. |
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anon138630
Post 31 |
Oh hell, I can't believe it. I have had laryngitis for almost one week and my throat is killing me, but the weird thing is that I have no voice at all. I can't even talk on the phone. I am without a voice and my work depends on talking. What is going on? I've had it for about five days. Has anyone else had this? Please share! |
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anon128241
Post 30 |
went to the doc today and found out I have laryngitis. doc gave me some meds to try and see if that helps. I do a lot of heaving but nothing there and no voice. how long does this last? |
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anon121995
Post 29 |
I think I have laryngitis. My voice is very hoarse, my throat is sore, I find it difficulty to talk. My whole body is aching, it feels as if someone has used me as a punching bag. my joints hurt, I am extremely hot the one moment and terribly cold the next. I have a dry cough and it hurts when I cough. I have taken some coughing syrup and some corenza c as I had the flu initially. It is not helping. |
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anon97886
Post 28 |
I'm not sure what it is I have but as far as I know it's laryngitis. I have no pain in my throat at all but it's hard for me to talk because my voice just isn't there. So basically I lost my voice. I've had this for four days now and it hasn't been getting better. I start work soon and it stinks to even go hang with my friends. I'm not even sure if I'm contagious or not. |
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anon96790
Post 27 |
I have had laryngitis for four weeks and my whole body is killing me. I have constant night temperatures and very fatigued. I'm not on antibiotics as doc says it's only viral not bacterial, even though I am expectorating dark green sputum! What do I do? |
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anon83137
Post 26 |
I have laryngitis and my doctor didn't say whether it is contagious or not. According to what's said here, I have a viral infection so it's not contagious because i have no fever. But my doctor prescribed antibiotics, and it's making me feel like i have a bacterial infection. Am i contagious? |
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anon77259
Post 25 |
I was outside when allergy season started, tree pollen blowing everywhere. I had allergic conjunctivitis and no voice the next day. My office manager saw a show that said allergies cause the conjunctivitis but not laryngitis. Am I spreading germs to everyone? Still getting over lost voice, had to take a medrol dose pack to relieve inflammation. Other people in my office have lost their voices but came back within a few days. I work in a family practice office. |
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anon76190
Post 24 |
i apparently have laryngitis, which stinks. i lost my voice completely last night and today. and then tomorrow is my first day of work. i'm trying every method i can to get rid of this stuff. --alicia 19 |
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anon74069
Post 23 |
I have laryngitis and it hurts! My throat is so sore, it's like swallowing a golf ball all the time. Night time is the worst because through the day you can keep yourself hydrated and it's bearable. Doctor has given me antibiotics and I am taking them because I need this to go quickly! |
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anon64465
Post 22 |
i have a sore throat my voice sounds hoarse. i don't know if it's laryngitis or not. can it go in a week? |
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anon63108
Post 20 |
i've had laryngitis on and off now for three weeks. Some days seem to get better than it comes back. i have no fever and no cough or no sore throat, just trouble swallowing. Now i keep coughing on my own to get up green and yellow gunk. No dry heat in my house. I'm a non-smoker and non-drinker I work out every day. It all began with scratchy voice three weeks ago. Sounds like one serious virus infection? Can you please help? -- Vinnie, new york city (also have no trouble breathing as well) |
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anon59301
Post 19 |
i had a throbbing nose on the first day - then two days of too much sputum ( spit ) white and frothy - felt i was drowning all the time. I went to the doc on the next day and he said it was laryngitis. then i could not swallow, drink or eat. |
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anon58434
Post 17 |
i just got laryngitis. how do i get rid of it? -ashley23 |
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anon51175
Post 16 |
my aunt came and visited to a night and she had stated that she had laryngitis. but also stated that she is not contagious. should i be worried that my two year old will catch this. how do you tell the difference between viral and bacteria? can anyone help? |
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teacher1
Post 15 |
Lost my voice for four weeks now, and I am very hoarse. I am a teacher and definitely need to use my voice. It is very difficult to take off work to "rest my voice". Any comments or ideas as to what is going on with me? |
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anon42058
Post 13 |
Been reading some of the questions on here and from my understanding may be able to help answer some of them. If laryngitis is caused by a virus then yes you could spead the virus that caused it, but not necessarily laryngitis itself as everyone's immune system works differently. And as with any vrius, infection control is the important factor. If you are not coughing and sneezing everywhere and use good handwashing, then others should not contract your infection. I currently have laryngitis, but am past the stage of coughing etc. that caused it, so there is no reason that my lack of voice and irritated throat should be passed to anyone else, unless I go in for lots of kissing! |
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anon40400
Post 12 |
I think I have laryngitis. It hurts when I swallow and I can barely talk. My voice is hoarse. My throat doesn't feel irritated and scratchy, just swollen. Do you think it's laryngitis? |
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anon38292
Post 11 |
if it is a viral condition and i dont want to go to my doctor because he sucks and i've done some research. can i still go to the movies with my friend today and let her sleep over? |
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anon31603
Post 10 |
i just got laryngitis and was advised to stay home and rest my voice. i stay away at the moment from my baby because i don't want her to get the virus. doctors advised me to gargle salt and water three times a day and gargle aspirin as well three times a day and i need to take some antibiotics with a lot of fluid. my throat hurts like it's burning up to my ears and sometimes i suddenly can't breathe coz it's blocking my throat and it really hurts. the first night i thought i only had a normal sore throat and on the third day i lost my voice. at night i got a fever and now i still can't talk that much. if it's airborne, is there still a possibility that my baby can get the virus even though i don't go near her? |
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ashley452
Post 8 |
I have a sore throat, and loss of my voice. My best friend has laryngitis, and I drank off her drink and hung out with her. Is it possible to be contagious? Can anyone answer my question? Also my symptoms are: dry cough, sore throat, very croaky in the morning, and I woke up with hive's on my stomach, but I believe that was from a food. What shall I do? |
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anon26512
Post 7 |
I have a severe sore throat, but no sign of a fever. My friend's mom is a doctor and i was told i have laryngitis. She didn't say whether it was bacterial or viral. How can i tell? |
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anon26138
Post 6 |
My throat's really sore, got symptoms of Laryngitus. Does your voice go all croaky? |
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anon25156
Post 4 |
How is a viral laryngitis NOT contagious if the underlying cause is the cold or flu? Wouldn't you then be able to spread a cold or flu? |
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jamenicole83
Post 2 |
so 6 days ago i had a slight fever..it lasted 2 days.. just a fever... then i was fine. its been 5 days and now i have no voice..with mild sore throat and the dry cough occasionally. so does the fever 5 days ago mean i have bacterial laryngitis or is it separate and i have viral laryngitis? i know i have it but just wasnt sure if they were connected.. symptoms at this point are nothing except mild sore throat, occasional dry cough and either absolutely no voice or wind breaks with high pitched air noises. no swollen lymph nodes and im not congested....please help id like to know if im contagious :( |
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ReRee11
Post 1 |
My friend just gave me laryngitis and it really stinks. i sometimes have to gasp for air or heave in a lot of air to keep me breathing. |
