What is laryngitis?
A person with laryngitis has inflammation of the larynx, usually caused by a viral infection. The inflammation of the vocal cords in the larynx causes the voice to become hoarse. Laryngitis is very common, and usually resolves within 7-10 days without treatment. Additional causes of laryngitis include allergies, sinusitis and strep throat.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?
The most common symptom of laryngitis is a hoarse voice. Additional symptoms of laryngitis include cough, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, sinus congestion, runny nose, fever, and posterior nasal drip.

How does the doctor treat laryngitis?
Laryngitis usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, without treatment. Treatment for laryngitis may include avoiding smoking and exposure to secondary smoke, resting the voice, throat lozenges, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. Treatment may also include antibiotics when the laryngitis is due to a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis.