Laryngitis: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

Common Causes

• Viral URI: Rhinovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, RSV, adenovirus, SARS-CoV-2.
• Bacterial: S. pyogenes (strep), M. catarrhalis, H. influenzae (often secondary).
• Allergic/Environmental: Post-nasal drip, smoke, pollutants, dry air.
• Voice Overuse/Misuse: Shouting, singing, prolonged speaking.
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Pepsin/acid irritation of larynx.
• Irritants: Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, inhaled steroids (oral thrush risk).

Red Flags (See ENT/Doctor)

• Hoarseness >2–3 weeks (rule out malignancy, vocal fold paralysis, granuloma).
• Stridor, dyspnea, dysphagia, odynophagia.
• Hemoptysis.
• Neck mass.
• Immunocompromised.

Self-Care

• Voice rest (relative, not whispering).
• Hydration, humidification.
• Avoid irritants.
• Treat underlying cause (reflux, allergies).