As new COVID-19 variants emerge, new symptoms of the virus are being reported. One of those symptoms is acute laryngitis. Laryngitis is the inflammation of your larynx, also known as your voice box, and/or vocal cords.
Laryngitis typically begins suddenly and worsens progressively over the first three days. The symptoms usually go away afterward. Symptoms of laryngitis include:
- A hoarse voice
- Losing your voice from time to time
- A sore throat
- A constant need to clear your throat
- An irritating, persistent cough
The hoarseness you may experience with COVID-19 is similar to the hoarseness you would experience with the flu or any other upper respiratory illness. COVID-19-causing laryngitis is particularly concerning because the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself causes inflammation. That means that many of the secondary symptoms you will experience, such as coughing, can be quite violent and can irritate your voice box further.
There isn’t much you can do to prevent the development of laryngitis or other throat and vocal cord problems when you have COVID-19. However, there are many ways to treat the condition, including:
- Staying hydrated
- Using cough drops and other over-the-counter cough suppressants
- Avoiding speaking
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
- Gargling with salt water
- Keeping the air in your house moist by using a humidifier
- Eating a healthy diet can help prevent acid reflux, which can worsen your condition
If you are experiencing symptoms of laryngitis, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.