From the Guidelines
Treatment for laryngitis should focus on supportive care, including rest, hydration, and voice conservation, as most cases resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks without the need for antibiotics or steroids, as emphasized by the guidelines 1.
Key Components of Treatment
- Rest and hydration: Drink plenty of fluids (at least 8-10 glasses of water daily) to keep the throat moist.
- Voice conservation: Avoid speaking or singing as much as possible, and when necessary, speak softly but don't whisper as this can strain vocal cords further.
- Humidification: Use a cool-mist humidifier to soothe irritated vocal cords.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours can reduce throat pain and inflammation.
- Symptomatic relief: Throat lozenges or warm salt water gargles (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) several times daily may provide temporary relief.
Avoiding Irritants and Seeking Medical Attention
- Avoid irritants like smoking, secondhand smoke, alcohol, and spicy foods.
- Medical attention is warranted if symptoms persist beyond two weeks, if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, if you cough up blood, or if you develop a fever over 103°F (39.4°C).
Addressing Underlying Causes
For chronic or recurrent laryngitis, addressing underlying causes such as acid reflux, allergies, or vocal misuse may be necessary, and speech and language therapy can be beneficial in managing functional communication disorders, as outlined in the consensus recommendations 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Laryngitis
- The treatment for laryngitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition 2, 3, 4.
- For acute laryngitis, vocal rest is often recommended as the best treatment 2.
- The use of antibiotics or decongestants is generally discouraged for acute laryngitis, as they may not be effective in treating the underlying cause of the condition 2, 4.
- In some cases, such as epiglottitis, antibiotics may be necessary to treat the underlying bacterial infection 3.
- For chronic laryngitis, treatment may involve addressing underlying causes such as vocal cord strain or acid reflux, and may include voice therapy or other interventions 2, 5.
Specific Treatment Approaches
- Emergency administration of systemic and inhaled glucocorticoids may be necessary for glotto-subglottic laryngitis 3.
- For ulcerative laryngitis, treatment may involve a comprehensive approach including microbiological examination, individualized treatment, and long-term monitoring 6.
- Phonopedia may be required for some patients with laryngitis, particularly those with vocal cord damage or strain 5, 6.
- Surgical treatment may be indicated in exceptional cases, such as for the differential diagnosis of laryngeal cancer 6.
Considerations for Vocal Professionals
- Vocal professionals, such as singers or teachers, may require specialized treatment and care for laryngitis due to the demands of their profession 5.
- A comprehensive approach to treatment, including voice therapy and other interventions, may be necessary to ensure full recovery and restoration of voice function 5.