1. Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Dental Health Quiz

Medical Author:

Rahul K. Shah, MD, FAAP, FACS

Rahul K. Shah, MD, FAAP, FACS

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Sometimes laryngitis may be more serious and may indicate laryngeal cancer. Several symptoms should cause a person to see a doctor:

• High fever with a sore throat
• Coughing up yellow or green phlegm (possibly suggestive of bronchitis or sinusitis)
• Coughing up blood
• Inability to drink liquids
• A history of throat or breathing problems
• Symptoms that last for 2 to 3 weeks despite resting the voice
• Weight loss
• Associated swelling in the neck
• Throat pain or discomfort

Children are different than adults because they are more likely to become infected with different microbes, and potentially may be contagious depending on the infecting organism.

• If a child just has a hoarse voice, with or without other symptoms of a virus such as low-grade fever (less than 100.5 F or 38 C) runny nose, muscle aches, cough, or nasal congestion, then the treatment is the same as for an adult.
• If the child has a fever, a sore throat, won't eat or drink, or has a decreased number of wet diapers (indicating less than adequate drinking) you should take the child to see a doctor.

Some situations can be life threatening, and you must not delay seeing a doctor. Go to a hospital's emergency department or call 911 if you experience any of the following.

• Any trouble breathing
• Feeling as if your throat is closing
• Inability to swallow
• Drooling
• Need to sit upright to breathe

If a child is drooling, has a whistling noise in his or her throat when breathing, or has any trouble breathing at all, then the child needs to go to the hospital.

Must Read Articles Related to Laryngitis

Sore Throat Sore throats are generally named for the anatomical site affected. The pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and epiglottis. Sore throat treatment depends on the ...learn more >>

See the Entire Laryngitis Topic Guide »