From the Guidelines
The best treatment for laryngitis is primarily supportive care, focusing on rest, hydration, and avoiding irritants, as most cases are caused by acute viral infections and resolve within 1-2 weeks. According to the clinical practice guideline on hoarseness (dysphonia) updated in 2018 1, it is essential to adequately hydrate by drinking water daily, use amplification in large noisy spaces to reduce voice strain, rest your voice briefly to prevent fatigue and overuse, and provide indoor air humidification in dry environments.
Supportive Care and Natural Remedies
Key aspects of supportive care include:
- Resting your voice as much as possible and avoiding whispering, which can strain vocal cords more than soft speech.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Using a humidifier to moisten the air, as recommended by the guideline 1.
- Gargling with warm salt water several times daily to soothe irritation.
- For pain relief, considering over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Utilizing natural remedies such as honey and lemon tea, ginger tea, and slippery elm tea, which may help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
Avoiding Irritants and Misuse of Antibiotics
It's crucial to avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. Moreover, the misuse of antibiotics in treating laryngitis should be discouraged, as emphasized in the clinical practice guideline 1, since most cases are caused by viral infections and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. The guideline highlights that antibiotics do not appear to be effective in treating acute laryngitis in terms of objective outcomes and can lead to unnecessary side effects, costs, and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, are accompanied by difficulty breathing, high fever, or if you cough up blood, it is essential to seek medical attention, as antibiotics or other treatments may be needed for bacterial infections or underlying conditions 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Laryngitis
- The best treatment for laryngitis depends on the underlying cause, with options including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antireflux therapy 2, 3, 4.
- For acute laryngitis, antibiotics may not be effective in treating the condition, as studies have shown no significant difference in symptoms between antibiotic and placebo groups 3, 5.
- In cases of epiglottitis or subglottic laryngitis, emergency administration of systemic and inhaled glucocorticoids may be necessary, with high dosages of dexamethasone (more than 0.3 mg/kg for 48 hours) followed by oral corticosteroids 2.
- For chronic laryngitis, antireflux therapy has been shown to be effective in resolving symptoms, with 96% of patients responding to treatment aimed at preventing reflux of gastric acid 4.
Natural Treatment Options
- 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 soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.
- In some cases, voice therapy may be prescribed to help improve vocal function and reduce symptoms of chronic laryngitis 6.
- Avoiding certain medications, such as angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors, which can cause hoarseness and vocal restrictions, may also be necessary 6.