When to call the doctor

• Sometimes, laryngitis may be more severe. If you experience the following symptoms, it's essential to consult a doctor:
• High fever accompanied by a sore throat
• Coughing up yellow or green phlegm
• Coughing up blood
• Inability to consume liquids
• A history of throat or breathing issues
• Persistent symptoms lasting 2-3 weeks, despite vocal rest
• Children are more susceptible to specific infections than adults.
• If a child only has a hoarse voice, with or without other virus symptoms like a mild fever (below 100.5°F), runny nose, muscle aches, cough, or nasal congestion, the treatment is similar to that for adults.
• If the child has a fever, a sore throat, refuses to eat or drink, or has a decreased number of wet diapers (indicating inadequate fluid intake), it's advisable to seek medical attention.

When to Go to the Hospital

• Some situations can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Go to the hospital's emergency department or call 911 if you experience any of the following:
• Difficulty breathing
• Sensation of throat constriction
• Inability to swallow
• Excessive drooling
• Need to sit upright to breathe
• If a child is excessively drooling, has a whistling sound in their throat while breathing, or experiences any breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical care.

Self-Care at Home

If these symptoms have been present for only a few days or occur following a period of excessive voice use, the primary treatment is rest your voice as much as possible.

• If you exhibit symptoms suggesting a viral infection, such as a mild fever, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, muscle aches, or fatigue, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for relief.
• Many individuals find relief by inhaling steam, such as from a hot bath or shower, or using a cool mist humidifier.
• In all cases, avoid smoking and places where others are smoking.

Prevention

Since most laryngitis cases are caused by viruses, the best prevention is thorough handwashing, particularly before touching your face. Despite these efforts, like the common cold, it's impossible to eliminate the risk entirely. For children, ensuring they receive the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine is crucial to protect them from this potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. Otherwise, the only other preventive measure is to avoid overusing your voice.