Laryngitis after a cold typically lasts about a week, but can linger up to two weeks as your vocal cords heal, with most cases resolving within 10 days of recovering from the cold itself, though symptoms can persist longer if you strain your voice; if hoarseness lasts over three weeks, it's considered chronic and warrants a doctor's visit.
Most often, viruses that infect the sinuses and throat cause this type of laryngitis. For example, acute laryngitis is common with colds and the flu. Vocal strain is another common cause of acute laryngitis. Rarely, infections from germs called bacteria cause acute laryngitis.
“Laryngitis itself is not contagious,” Peña said. “However, the viral upper respiratory infections that cause laryngitis can be.” As long as you don't have any other severe symptoms, you should be able to continue your daily activities while you have laryngitis.
To get rid of laryngitis fast, rest your voice (no whispering!), use a humidifier or steam, drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine/alcohol), and gargle with salt water; these methods soothe inflammation, but remember laryngitis often clears up in a week or two as it's usually viral.
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: a headache.
Important red flags include a history of smoking, dysphagia, odynophagia or otalgia, stridor, haemoptysis and recent fevers, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. If any of these are present and the hoarseness is persistent, an urgent referral to an otorhinolaryngologist should be made.
COVID-19 can cause inflammation and swelling in the respiratory system, including the larynx and vocal cords, which can result in laryngitis. Q: What are the most common lingering symptoms of COVID-19? A: Many studies have demonstrated evidence of different lingering symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID).
The most common cause of laryngitis is a virus. Other types of infection (rare) are bacterial or fungal. Some inhaled medications can be a risk factor for laryngitis. Poor vocal hygiene can lead to laryngitis or inflammation of the vocal folds.
The treatment for that is complete voice rest with no speaking at all for a period of time. You don't want to speak through the hemorrhage because it can cause permanent scaring of the vocal cords. If you got laryngitis from virus – or just from yelling to much during a sporting event or concert – don't worry.
Avoid talking or singing too loudly or for too long. If you need to speak before large groups, try to use a microphone or megaphone. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine).
Laryngitis is often part of another illness such as a cold or influenza (flu), so you may also have other symptoms such as: headache. runny nose. swollen glands.
You should seek care immediately if your laryngitis symptoms are accompanied by: Difficulty breathing. A fever that won't go away. Increasing pain.
The laryngoscopy allows your otolaryngologist to see swelling, inflammation, or mucus around your vocal cords. It helps them diagnose viral or bacterial laryngitis. They can also tell whether you have a growth (polyp, cyst, or nodule) or tumor that could cause similar symptoms.
Laryngitis Treatments
Yes, coughing can worsen laryngitis by causing the vocal cords to rub together sharply. This causes increased swelling and irritation of the voice box (larynx). The body also responds to coughing by secreting more mucus to protect the vocal cords, which can make the problem worse.
If you have chronic laryngitis due to GERD, your doctor may recommend that you try the following: Avoid eating fatty foods, spicy foods and foods that have a high acid content (coffee, orange juice, tomato juice or sauce). This is especially important before bedtime.
WHAT NOT TO DRINK. Alcohol, any carbonated drinks that contain lots of sugar and any drinks with caffeine in them such as tea, coffee and coke – these will all dry your voice out. If you are consuming these drinks, I highly recommend drinking water in between them to keep you hydrated.
Home remedies like salt water gargles and tea with honey are mostly harmless, although there's no evidence they work for fixing laryngitis. If you have a sore throat, they might temporarily alleviate some of this pain. But they definitely won't reduce the roughness, hoarseness or “breathiness” of your voice.
Laryngitis is diagnosed by examination of the larynx. The laryngeal examination may include a mirror examination or specialized magnified viewing of the voice box (rigid laryngoscopy or laryngeal stroboscopy).
Laryngitis usually happens when you have an infection from a virus, such as cold or flu. A flu vaccination will help prevent you getting flu. Other things that cause laryngitis include: allergies to things like dust and fumes.
People with the following risk factors are more likely to develop laryngitis:
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
What are the most common symptoms of long COVID?
Your CENTA ear, nose and throat doctor recommends the following home remedies for treating laryngitis.