American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Are there brochures or other printed material I can take home? What websites do you recommend?ĭon't hesitate to ask any other questions.

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?.

Are there any restrictions I need to follow?.

What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?.

Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?.

What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?.

For laryngitis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Someone who accompanies you may remember information you missed or forgot.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible.

Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.

Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.

Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance.

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions.

If your doctor sees a suspicious area, he or she may do a biopsy - taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. Then your doctor can watch the motion of your vocal cords as you speak. It can be caused by several different viruses. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a tiny camera and light through your nose or mouth and into the back of your throat. Croup is an infection of the throat, vocal cords (or larynx), and large airways of the lungs. Or your doctor may use fiber-optic laryngoscopy. In a procedure called laryngoscopy, your doctor can visually examine your vocal cords by using a light and a tiny mirror to look into the back of your throat. These techniques sometimes are used to help diagnose laryngitis: He or she may want to listen to your voice and examine your vocal cords, and he or she may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If you have chronic hoarseness, your doctor may review your medical history and symptoms. Changes in your voice can vary with the degree of infection or irritation, ranging from mild hoarseness to almost total loss of your voice. Reducing your risk of developing laryngitisĪs laryngitis is often caused by a common viral infection, such as a cold or flu, it's not always possible to prevent it.The most common sign of laryngitis is hoarseness. to try to rest your voice as much as possible.drink plenty of fluids (particularly water).not to smoke to avoid smoky environments.To help your vocal cords heal, it's important: Most cases of laryngitis get better without treatment within one to two weeks. In these cases, most of the symptoms usually pass within one to two weeks. In most cases, laryngitis is caused by either: a viral infection (such as a cold or flu) or damage to your larynx (usually by straining your voice). They may refer you or your child for tests or to a specialist in hospital. If you see your GP, they'll discuss the possible causes with you. If it seems less severe contact your GP or GP out of hours services.

If your child is having severe difficulty breathing dial 999 for an ambulance. You should seek immediate medical help if you or your child experience difficulty breathing. You normally only need to see your GP if the symptoms are particularly severe or they last longer than two weeks. Laryngitis often gets better quickly without treatment. solutions to gargle or lozenges for the pain.They can give advice and suggest treatments, including: Speak to a pharmacist about your sore throat. Laryngitis is often linked to another illness, such as a cold, flu, throat infection ( pharyngitis) or tonsillitis, so you might also have other symptoms such as: This may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone. The hoarse voice and difficulty speaking usually get worse each day you're ill. They usually get worse over a period of two to three days. Symptoms of laryngitis can begin suddenly. See your GP if your symptoms are severe or haven't improved after two weeks. In most cases, it gets better without treatment in about one to two weeks. It's usually caused by an infection or damage to the larynx. Laryngitis is inflammation (swelling) of your voice box (the larynx).

Sore throat and raspy voice