Is Laryngitis Contagious?

Laryngitis caused by an infection can be contagious. Laryngitis, or inflammation of the vocal cords that causes hoarseness or voice loss, can also be caused by allergies, shouting, or environmental irritants and is not contagious in these cases.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the vocal cords that can result in hoarseness and even complete loss of voice.

Laryngitis can be acute, with a rapid onset and limited duration of symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Laryngitis?

Symptoms of laryngitis include the following:

• Hoarseness
• Changes in voice
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of voice
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain when swallowing
• Tickling feeling in the throat
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Urge to clear the throat
• Postnasal drip
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Feeling unwell (malaise)
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection such as fever, cough, runny nose

The following are causes of laryngitis:

• The common cold and other viral throat infections
  • Rhinoviruses
  • Parainfluenza viruses
  • Respiratory syncytial virus
  • Adenoviruses
  • Influenza viruses
  • Measles virus
  • Mumps virus
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Varicella-zoster virus
  • Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
• Fungal infections, such as thrush
• Vocal trauma such as shouting too much, cheering, or straining the voice 
• Inhaling harsh chemicals, such as cleaners or gasoline
• Environmental insults (pollution)
• Drinking too much alcohol 
• Smoking or vaping
• Allergies
• Acid reflux
• Use of asthma inhalers
• Medical problems
  • Abnormal growths on the vocal cords
  • Muscle disorders affecting the voice box
  • Throat cancer 

Laryngitis is a symptom, and it is not contagious in itself; however, some causes of laryngitis can be contagious.

Laryngitis caused by viral or bacterial infections can be contagious. Rarely, laryngitis may be caused by a fungus, which can also be contagious. However, most viruses, bacteria, and fungi that tend to cause laryngitis are not usually highly contagious types. 

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are usually transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets propelled into the air when an affected person coughs or sneezes. The germs may also be present in saliva and passed on through kissing.

Laryngitis is usually diagnosed with a medical history and physical examination. In order to diagnose the cause of laryngitis, tests may include the following: 

• Laryngoscopy
• Biopsy of laryngeal tissue 
• Culture of the throat
• Blood tests
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Bacterial antigen tests
  • Blood cultures

Treatment for laryngitis depends on the cause. In many cases, home care to relieve symptoms may be all that is needed. For laryngitis due to...

• Vocal strain: Rest your voice. Don’t whisper as this can worsen symptoms.
• Smoking: Quit smoking.
• Drinking alcohol: Limit alcohol intake.
• Inhaling harsh chemicals: Avoid the chemical or ensure fresh air is coming into the place you are exposed to fumes or that ventilation fans are used.
• Acid reflux: Treatments for acid reflux include the following:
  • Medications if recommended
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole magnesium (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid)
  • Avoid foods that trigger or worsen symptoms such as alcohol, coffee, and chocolate.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Eat several small meals rather than two or three big meals.
  • Do not lie down for at least 3 hours after eating, especially after large meals.

Other home remedies to relieve symptoms associated with laryngitis include: 

• Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
• Get adequate rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use menthol inhalers.
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe the throat.
• Suck on throat lozenges. (Lozenges are not recommended for young children as they can be a choking hazard.)
• Avoid dusty areas.
• Don't take decongestants that can dry the throat.
• In chronic or severe cases, medications to treat laryngitis may include the following:
  • Corticosteroids to reduce swelling
  • Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for pain