Suggest Treatment For Laryngitis

Posted on Fri, 12 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 Answered on

Wed, 7 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 70 years old and in overall good health, active and still working. I felt that I was coming down with a cold but after a few days the symptoms went away and I was pleased to have dodged the cold. However, I ended up with laryngitis (or some other cause of hoarseness a and weak voice). After about 6 days I saw my doctor. He put me on azithromycin - 6 pack. Today I'll take my 5th pill with no improvement.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try steam inhalation and antihistamines.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Welcome to HCM forum.

The hoarseness results from laryngeal(vocal cord) inflammation/edema, which is common following upper respiratory tract infection or cold.

This usually responds to antihistamines like Levocetirezine 5 mg once daily(bed time) for 5-7 days. Note that, this can cause some sedation.
Also, do steam inhalation 6-8 times a day. Give adequate rest to your vocal cord(avoid over talking/shouting). Avoid exposure to cold.

If you have no associated symptoms like fever, lassitude, expectoration of yellow sputum etc we need not upgrade or repeat the antibiotic course.

If the hoarseness fails to come down by 2-3 days of these supportive measures, kindly see your doctor as this will need examination of larynx and other drugs like steroids.

Hope this will answer your query.
Be free to ask further questions if any.
Wishing for a faster cure.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (16 hours later)

Thanks.
Your brief answer is steam inhalation.
How many times a day and would you suggest something be added to the water to increase the effect?

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
6 to 8 times a day with plain water

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

You can do inhalation 6 to 8 times a day with plain water.

Nothing to be added. We add something to steam inhalation when there is expectoration of thick sputum in order to loosen up them.
But in your case, this is not needed.

Hope you got it cleared.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (10 hours later)

Okay, steam inhalation 6 - 8 times a day. How long each time, and because its for my vocal chords should I inhale through my mouth or my nose?

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
5-10 minutes, either through mouth or nose.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXX,

Hope you have already started theses measures and symptoms are on the way down.

Theres is no specific cut off for the duration- usually we do for 5-10 minutes, or till when we feel discomfort.
It makes no difference whether we are inhaling through mouth or nose- both routes finally leads to larynx and vocal cords.

Take care.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T