From the Guidelines
The treatment for acute laryngitis primarily involves rest, hydration, and voice conservation, without the routine use of antibiotics, as most cases are viral and self-limiting, resolving within 7 to 10 days irrespective of treatment 1. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent complications, rather than curing the underlying cause.
- Resting the voice is crucial, as it helps reduce strain on the vocal cords and promotes healing.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, helps keep the vocal cords hydrated and thin out mucus.
- Humidification can also help, using a cool-mist humidifier or breathing steam from a hot shower to add moisture to the air and soothe the vocal cords.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) or ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) can reduce throat pain and inflammation.
- Throat lozenges or warm salt water gargles (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) may provide temporary relief.
- Avoiding irritants such as smoking, secondhand smoke, and alcohol is also important, as they can exacerbate symptoms and delay healing. Antibiotics may be prescribed in select circumstances, such as in immunosuppressed patients or in cases of bacterial laryngitis, but their routine use is not recommended due to the risk of antibiotic resistance and side effects 1. It is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond two weeks, if you have difficulty breathing, if you cough up blood, or if you develop a high fever, as these may indicate a more serious condition requiring specific treatment.
From the Research
Treatment for Acute Laryngitis
The treatment for acute laryngitis is primarily focused on controlling symptoms, as the condition is often self-limiting. The following points summarize the treatment approaches:
- Antibiotics are not recommended as a first-line treatment for acute laryngitis, as they do not appear to provide significant benefits in improving objective symptoms 2, 3, 4.
- Erythromycin may reduce voice disturbance at one week and cough at two weeks when measured subjectively, but the benefits are considered not relevant in clinical practice 2, 3, 4.
- Fusafungine may increase the cure rate at day five, but the evidence is limited and the benefits may not outweigh the costs and adverse effects 4.
- Voice therapy is often successful in treating functional and organic vocal disturbances, including acute laryngitis 5.
- In cases of chronic laryngitis associated with gastro-esophageal reflux, treatment of the reflux disorder may be effective in alleviating symptoms 5.
- Systemic corticosteroid therapy may be used to treat laryngeal sarcoidosis, a condition that can cause hoarseness and other symptoms 6.
Considerations for Treatment
When considering treatment for acute laryngitis, it is essential to:
- Evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
- Avoid empirical treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids, as they may not be effective and can have adverse effects.
- Consider voice therapy as a treatment option for functional and organic vocal disturbances.
- Refer patients with risk factors, such as smokers, for immediate evaluation by laryngoscopy to rule out underlying conditions such as malignant tumors.