Laryngitis Treatment

No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. You can also call ahead if you'd like an estimated wait time, though most patients are seen promptly.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, acute laryngitis typically lasts 7-10 days when caused by viral infections. Bacterial laryngitis may improve more quickly with antibiotic treatment, often within 24-48 hours. Chronic laryngitis lasting more than three weeks requires medical evaluation to identify underlying causes such as acid reflux, allergies, or vocal strain.

Most cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infections and do not require antibiotics. Our medical providers will evaluate your symptoms and may perform rapid testing to determine if bacterial infection is present. Antibiotics are prescribed only when clinically indicated, such as for confirmed strep throat or other bacterial infections. Voice rest and supportive care are the primary treatments for viral laryngitis.

Voice rest is crucial for recovery. While complete silence isn't always necessary, you should minimize talking as much as possible and avoid whispering, which can actually strain your vocal cords more than normal speech. Our providers will give you specific guidance based on the severity of your condition. Resting your voice allows the inflamed vocal cords to heal more quickly.

While most laryngitis cases are benign and resolve with treatment, persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated. According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic laryngitis can be caused by acid reflux, chronic sinusitis, excessive voice use, smoking, or rarely, more serious conditions. Our medical providers can assess your symptoms and determine if additional evaluation or specialist referral is needed.

Please bring your photo ID, insurance card if you have insurance, and a list of current medications including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you've had previous episodes of laryngitis or voice problems, information about those episodes can be helpful. This allows our medical providers to give you the most comprehensive and safe care possible.

Visit the emergency room immediately if you experience severe difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, high fever with severe throat pain, drooling, or if you suspect something is stuck in your throat. These could indicate epiglottitis or other serious conditions requiring emergency care. For typical laryngitis symptoms like hoarseness, mild throat pain, and voice changes, urgent care is the appropriate choice.

Prevention strategies include staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, limiting alcohol and caffeine, using proper voice techniques if you speak or sing professionally, treating underlying conditions like acid reflux or allergies, and practicing good hand hygiene to prevent viral infections. Our providers can discuss specific prevention strategies based on the cause of your laryngitis and your individual risk factors.