Laryngitis treatment available online today

In order to treat your laryngitis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to learn how to relieve your sore or dry throat today. Get a new prescription for corticosteroids if needed, or refill an existing prescription today.*

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Same-day appointments to evaluate Laryngitis symptoms

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of laryngitis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. The larynx is a hollow muscular organ between the throat and the lung. It holds the vocal cords in humans and is also known as the voice box. Normally, the larynx opens and closes smoothly. However, when it becomes inflamed or swollen from overuse, irritation, or infection, the sounds that pass through it can become distorted. The resulting voice sounds weak or hoarse.

Laryngitis causes

Laryngitis causes vary depending on whether the condition is acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Causes of both acute and chronic laryngitis are explored below.

  • Acute Laryngitis

    The majority of cases of laryngitis are temporary and short-term, with the symptoms going away after the underlying cause improves. Below are some causes of acute laryngitis:

    • Vocal strain - due to yelling, singing or overuse

    • Viral infections (viral laryngitis) - typically upper respiratory infections that can affect the vocal cords

    • Bacterial infection - not common

  • Chronic laryngitis

    Having laryngitis for more than three weeks is no longer acute laryngitis, and is considered chronic instead, suggesting exposure to irritants over time as the cause. Below are potential causes of chronic laryngitis:

    • Constant inhalation of airborne irritants (e.g. smoke, chemical fumes, allergens); firsthand and secondhand smoke can also be causes

    • Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

    • Heavy drinking

    • Cancer

    • Persistent overuse of your voice (e.g. singers, public speakers)

    • Vocal cord paralysis that is due to health conditions such as nerve injury from neck surgery or nerve disorders

Laryngitis symptoms

  • Common symptoms of laryngitis include:

    • Feeling ticklish in the throat

    • Hoarseness

    • Sore throat

    • Dry throat or cough

    • Voice loss

    Acute laryngitis symptoms are temporary, lasting less than two weeks or so. Chronic laryngitis symptoms can last longer.

How to treat laryngitis

Acute laryngitis symptoms typically goes away on its own without treatment. During the recovery period. Rest your voice and drink plenty of fluids.

For chronic laryngitis symptoms, the goals are focused on treating the underlying causes, such as smoking, heartburn, or excessive drinking.

Medications can also be used to support the recovery process.

Laryngitis medication

In some cases, over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used in conjunction with rest and fluids to assist with recovery.

How to prevent laryngitis

Some lifestyle adjustments can be made to prevent laryngitis. Examples include:

  • Staying hydrated and drinking lots of fluids

  • Avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine consumption

  • Avoiding spicy foods

  • Avoiding smoking

  • Avoiding situations which involve yelling or making high pitched sounds unnecessarily

When to see a doctor for laryngitis

Typically, laryngitis is temporary, short-term, and goes away with home rest and hydration. For chronic hoarseness longer than two weeks, talk with your healthcare provider to explore chronic laryngitis and the potential underlying health conditions.

However, one may need immediate medical attention if the laryngitis symptoms are accompanied by:

  • persistent fever

  • increasing pain

  • coughing up blood

  • difficulty breathing

Laryngitis treatment FAQs

  • What is the best laryngitis treatment?

    For most acute laryngitis cases, self-care, such as resting your voice and drinking plenty of water, is the best course of action. Patients can expect their larynx / vocal cords to recover in a few weeks. For chronic vocal cord infection, it is best to consult medical professionals to get laryngitis diagnosed and determine if underlying health issues may be causing persistent vocal cord inflammation.

  • What is the best medicine for laryngitis?

    There is no specific medicine for the treatment of acute laryngitis. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken for pain management. Prescription corticosteroids can also help reduce inflammation. If a laryngitis diagnosis reveals that a bacterial infection caused the inflammation, then antibiotics may be prescribed.

  • Can laryngitis be prevented?

    Yes, laryngitis can be prevented with some lifestyle adjustments. Here are some changes you can make to your lifestyle:

    • try to avoid situations which involve yelling or overuse of your voice box (e.g. venues playing loud music like clubs)

    • reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption since these beverages tend to dehydrate you

    • on the other hand, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water daily

    • avoid spicy foods since they can sometimes irritate and also cause heartburn

    • avoid inhaling firsthand and secondhand smoke

  • What is the main cause of laryngitis?

    Acute laryngitis occurs due to respiratory tract infection or vocal strain.

    Chronic laryngitis is caused by exposure to irritants over a long period of time. Some potential causes are:

    • constant inhalation of airborne irritants (e.g. smoke, chemical fumes, allergens)

    • persistent overuse of your voice (e.g. singers, public speakers)

    • acid reflux

  • How long does it take to recover from laryngitis?

    You can typically expect to recover from laryngitis in a week or so, with adequate voice rest and enough hydration. If the symptoms of laryngitis last longer, it may be indicative of underlying health conditions or illnesses. Talk to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

  • Do you need an antibiotic for laryngitis?

    Typically, laryngitis is caused by viral infections, so antibiotics are not effective and unnecessary. However, in cases where bacterial infections are the cause, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics that target the bacterial infections after a medical consultation.

3 simple steps to request laryngitis treatment

Step 1

Book a laryngitis treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your laryngitis symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat laryngitis.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy,

Related conditions to laryngitis

  • Laryngitis is related to other health conditions such as flu, cold, or tonsillitis.

    Laryngitis can be confused with pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx, also commonly known as a sore throat.

    If the laryngitis is due to upper respiratory infection, the infection can potentially spread to the rest of the respiratory tract.

Laryngitis treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request laryngitis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

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If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.