HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
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 a sore throat, dry cough, mild fever and a constant need to clear your throat.
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:
Laryngitis usually gets better by itself within a week, without any treatment.
You do not usually need antibiotics as they do not work against a virus.
If your hoarse voice does not go away within three weeks, you should see your general practice team.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
More information about what causes laryngitis and how to treat it.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2023.
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Review key: HIHOV-135476