I Had Laryngitis 3 Months Ago. No Voice At All

Brief Answer:
I would recommend you to not cancel the visit with the ENT doctor- further explanations below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

I would recommend you not to cancel the visit with the ENT doctor. The reason for this is because even though you have some improvement, as you said the hoarseness is not totally gone. It is best to have a check and rule out important conditions. Generally, when hoarseness lasts for more than 3-4 weeks, a check of the vocal cords with laryngoscopy (which means the visualization of the vocal cords with a mirror or a camera) is recommended.
This is not a difficult examination and gives valuable information.

In your case, the hoarseness may be as well due to the overuse of the vocal cords, especially if you have had long periods of cough, which also scratches them and makes the hoarseness go on for longer. It is good you tried Fluconase as an allergy can be a possible cause of the cough. On the other hand, you may need to add oral Loratadine 10 mg at night to have a better effect.
Reflux sometimes is not perceived by patients, as the only symptoms it causes in some cases is the cough. So, it may be good to try a treatment with Lansoprazole for a few weeks to help with the chronic cough. Meanwhile, try to lose weight if your BMI is over 25, you may eat a frequent small amount of food during the day and avoid eating or drinking 3-4 hours before bedtime. Avoid coffee, alcohol and junk food. Rising the bed head with bricks may be a good way to minimize reflux while you sleep.


To conclude:
- very likely your hoarseness is due to the chronic cough and in this case trying to identify and treat the cause of the chronic cough is the key to treating the hoarseness
- on the other hand, it is safer to have the visit with the ENT and rule out more important causes of hoarseness.
- as for treatments for chronic cough, there are several options to try. One is a combination of nasal steroid drops (fluconase) with oral Loratadine at night.
- if this does not work well in 3-4 weeks, you may add Lansoprazole and try the above measures to reduce stomach acidity and prevent reflux.
- if all these do not help in 3-4 weeks or you are any worse or new symptoms develop, a chest X-ray may be needed to rule out lung conditions.

I hope this is helpful and answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

I wish you well.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician

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