| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Laryngitis |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Treatment: |
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Since most common laryngitis is viral, treatment with antibiotics is generally not indicated. Your health care provider will make this decision. Voice rest helps both the voice and to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may provide comfort for the scratchy feeling sometimes associated with laryngitis. Decongestants and pain killers may relieve symptoms of an accompanying upper respiratory infection. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Full recovery is expected in uncomplicated laryngitis. |
| Complications: |
| On rare occasions, severe respiratory distress requiring medical intervention may develop. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if there is difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or if drooling is present in a small child. Call your health care provider if hoarseness is present in a child less than 3 months old. Call your health care provider if hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child or 2 weeks in an adult. |
Throat anatomy |
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