Suggest Treatment For Laryngitis

Posted on Tue, 4 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 4 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've had laryngitis for two months. Internist prescribed Z pack, voice rest and hydration. Still same symptoms after 10 days. Internist recommended ENT. ENT performed in office laryngoscopy. Observed some vocal chord swelling, but nothing too concerning. After another 2 weeks, nothing changed. Back to internist, redeveloped a fever, Amoxicillin, 1500 mg. for ten days. Today marks the 60th day. I own a trucking company and I need to talk. I get worn out as I have to stop to take extra breaths when I need to talk. I try to rest my voice as much as possible. I'm not whispering, shouting (as if I could). Just took temp., 99. I have an ENT appointment Thursday. Do you have any theories, any questions s I should ask, this is making me nuts!! Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. This is likely a gastric acid reflux problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Gastric acid reflux, especially at night, can cause acid aspiration into the larynx and trachea and inflame the vocal cords.

You need to ask the ENT about this and then I would schedule you for upper endoscopy to check for gastritis and reflux. PPI medications like Nexium can take care of the problem.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ralph Chambers (1 hour later)

I take OTC Prilosec everyday. Do you think maybe a stronger PPI?

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Nexium would be my preference

Detailed Answer:
I'd choose Nexium but I would also screen you for an H pylori bacterial stomach infection since that could also be the problem and than can be treated with a course of two different oral antibiotics

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T