HealthInfo Canterbury
Hoarse or lost voice (laryngitis)
Laryngitis (lar-in-jite-iss) is caused by a problem with your vocal cords, which are the moving parts of your larynx (voice box). This can make your voice sound croaky, strained or weak.
Other symptoms of laryngitis are sore throat, dry cough, mild fever and a constant need to clear your throat.
Causes of hoarse or lost voice
Laryngitis is usually caused by a virus, and it can often be part of another illness, such as the flu, tonsillitis or a sore throat. Rarely, it can be caused by a bacterial infection.
If your hoarse voice lasts longer than three weeks it might be due to something else, such as :
- vocal cords being irritated by overuse, an allergy, or by stomach acid if you have acid reflux (heartburn or indigestion)
- a lump on or near your vocal cords.
Treating hoarse or lost voice
Laryngitis usually gets better by itself within a week, without any treatment. Resting your voice can help you recover.
You don't usually need antibiotics as they don't work against a virus.
If your hoarse voice doesn't go away within three weeks you should get checked by a doctor.
Self care with hoarse or lost voice
- Rest your voice by speaking softly and as little as possible. Don't whisper, as whispering can strain your voice.
- Make sure you drink enough fluid.
- Take simple pain tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Avoid smoking.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Patient.info – Laryngitis
More information about what causes laryngitis and how to treat it.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2020.
See also:
SourcesReview key: HIHOV-135476
