From the Guidelines
To treat laryngitis and loss of voice, rest your voice as much as possible for 3-7 days, avoiding whispering as this strains your vocal cords more than soft speech, and consider symptomatic voice therapy as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When managing laryngitis, it is essential to prioritize self-care measures to reduce symptoms and promote recovery.
- Resting the voice is crucial, and patients should avoid whispering, as it can cause more strain on the vocal cords than soft speech.
- Staying hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily and using a humidifier to keep the throat moist can help alleviate symptoms.
- Gargling with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily can reduce inflammation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with discomfort.
- Avoiding irritants such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods is also recommended. According to the latest guidelines on managing functional communication, swallowing, cough, and related disorders, symptomatic voice therapy can be an effective approach in treating laryngitis 1.
- This may include education and explanatory strategies, such as clearly explaining the nature of the disorder and the rationale for the diagnosis.
- Symptomatic strategies, like coughing and clearing the throat, yawning, or making whimper sounds, can help improve voice quality.
- Psychological support, including communication counseling and addressing predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating issues related to onset and maintenance of voice symptoms, may also be beneficial. It is essential to note that antibiotics are typically not helpful in treating laryngitis unless there is a bacterial infection, as most cases are caused by viral infections, overuse, or irritation 1.
- If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, worsen significantly, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing, high fever, or coughing up blood, patients should see a doctor immediately.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Laryngitis
- The use of antibiotics in treating acute laryngitis has been studied, and the results suggest that they may not be effective in improving objective symptoms 2, 3, 4.
- Erythromycin has been shown to reduce voice disturbance at one week and cough at two weeks when measured subjectively, but the benefits may not outweigh the costs and risks of antibiotic resistance 2, 3, 4.
- Fusafungine, an antimicrobial agent, has been found to increase the cure rate at day five in patients with acute laryngitis symptoms 4.
- The treatment of laryngitis should focus on controlling symptoms, as the condition is often self-limiting 5.
- A thorough history and physical examination are essential in diagnosing laryngitis and determining the underlying cause 6.
Non-Antibiotic Treatments
- Resting the voice and avoiding irritants such as smoke and dust can help alleviate symptoms of laryngitis.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage pain and reduce fever.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If symptoms of laryngitis persist or worsen over time, medical attention should be sought to rule out underlying conditions such as bacterial or fungal infections 6.
- If difficulty breathing or swallowing occurs, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.