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Short answer What laryngitis is What to do now Talk to your professor Is it contagious? What about lozenges and sprays? When to see a clinician Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesIf you lose your voice before a presentation, rest your voice, drink fluids and tell your professor early to ask for a later date or another format.
Most laryngitis from a cold clears in a week or two. Whispering strains the voice more than talking softly, so avoid it.
What laryngitis is
Laryngitis is swelling of the vocal cords, usually from a cold or from overuse such as cheering or singing. The main sign is a hoarse or lost voice, sometimes with a tickle or dry throat.
What to do now
- Rest your voice as much as you can
- Drink warm fluids and use a humidifier
- Avoid whispering, throat clearing, shouting and singing
- Skip smoking, vaping and alcohol, which dry and irritate the throat
- Sleep and give yourself a break
Talk to your professor
Email as soon as you know. You can ask for a later date, a written or recorded version, or a Q&A format. Student health can write a note if needed. A short email is enough: you are sick, you cannot speak, and you would like another option.
Is it contagious?
The cause matters. A cold virus behind laryngitis can spread. Laryngitis from yelling at a game does not. See is laryngitis contagious.
What about lozenges and sprays?
Lozenges can soothe a scratchy throat and keep your mouth moist. They do not heal the vocal cords. Rest does.
When to see a clinician
- Hoarseness longer than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Loss of voice after a neck injury
- A lump in the neck
Go to the ER for noisy breathing, drooling, or trouble breathing. Call 911 if severe.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long does laryngitis last? Often 1 to 2 weeks. See a clinician if it lasts past 3 weeks.
Can I whisper? It is better to talk softly than to whisper.
Does tea with honey help? It can soothe your throat.
Can I sing or cheer? Rest your voice first.
Is it strep? Strep usually brings fever and swollen glands, not just a lost voice.
Common questions
What should I do if I lose my voice before a presentation?
If you lose your voice before a presentation, rest your voice, drink fluids and tell your professor early to ask for a later date or another format. Most laryngitis from a cold clears in a week or two. Whispering strains the voice more than talking softly, so avoid it.
How long does laryngitis last?
Often 1 to 2 weeks. See a clinician if it lasts past 3 weeks.
Can I whisper?
It is better to talk softly than to whisper.
Does tea with honey help?
It can soothe your throat.
Can I sing or cheer?
Rest your voice first.
Is it strep?
Strep usually brings fever and swollen glands, not just a lost voice.