Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for laryngitis. This is inflammation of the vocal cords. Your voice probably sounds hoarse. You might have even lost your voice completely.
Laryngitis can be caused a cold or other infection, shouting or straining your voice too much, breathing in harsh chemicals, drinking alcohol or smoking, or acid reflux (when acid from the stomach backs up into the throat).
Your laryngitis will probably get better on its own in 1 to 2 weeks.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Rest your voice until your symptoms go away:
•Talk as little as possible.
•Avoid singing.
•Avoid talking loudly, but do not whisper. Whispering strains your voice box and makes laryngitis worse.
●Wash your hands often. This helps keep others healthy.
●If you have a sore throat, you can:
•Drink warm fluids, like tea or soup.
•Suck on hard candies, ice chips, or ice pops.
•Gargle with salt water.
•Use a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
•Take non-prescription medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●If you sing or use your voice for work, consider taking voice lessons. This can teach you ways to protect your voice and prevent straining it again.
●If your laryngitis was caused by breathing in a harsh chemical, avoid that chemical if possible. If you need to be around fumes, make sure there is a lot of fresh air coming in and wear a "respirator" mask. If you work near chemical fumes that are making you hoarse, speak with your employer about getting masks and ventilation fans.
●If your laryngitis was caused by alcohol, limit how much you drink.
●If your laryngitis was caused by acid reflux, try to avoid getting reflux:
•Take all your medicines as instructed.
•Avoid foods that make symptoms worse.
•Eat many small meals each day, rather than 2 or 3 big meals.
•Do not lie down for at least 3 hours after eating.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have trouble breathing.
•Your neck, tongue, or throat is swollen.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a sore throat and a fever of 101°F (38.4°C) or higher.
●You have severe throat pain, or the throat pain does not improve within 5 to 7 days.
●Your voice is hoarse or gone for 2 weeks or longer, and you are not getting better.
●Your throat pain is so bad you cannot eat or drink.
●You have large, painful lumps in your neck.
●You have blisters in the back of your throat.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
