Diagnosing Laryngitis
Laryngitis is often a symptom of some other health problem, so finding out its root cause is the first step to getting better. If your doctor finds no other health problems, knowing why your throat is inflamed means you can take steps to avoid getting laryngitis in the future. When hoarseness is accompanied by a weak voice and lasts more than two weeks, your doctor may want to do a test on your throat to rule out cancer, especially if you're a smoker. This test, called a laryngoscopy, involves your doctor directly looking at your voice box with a mirror or a small flexible scope which goes down your nose.
Treating and Preventing Laryngitis
If your laryngitis comes from straining your voice, resting it and breathing in steam will probably ease the pain and inflammation and help you recover. On the other hand, if your laryngitis is a symptom of an infection, it won't go away until the infection clears up. If the laryngitis is caused by bronchitis or another bacterial infection, antibiotics may be needed and corticosteroids may be prescribed to stop the inflammation. Most infections are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. When acid reflux or allergies are the source of irritation, bringing these conditions under control will make you feel better quickly.
Avoiding voice strain and irritants is the best way to prevent simple attacks of laryngitis. If you get a cold or flu and it feels like you are getting laryngitis as well, avoid things that irritate your throat. Remember to pace yourself and try not to push your voice by talking if you don't have to. These steps may help to stop your laryngitis in its tracks. Quitting smoking is another important way to treat both acute and chronic laryngitis.
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