Hoarse or losing your voice? Urgent Care Center of Westmont in Westmont, IL evaluates laryngitis in adults and children, checks for related infections and explains how to rest and protect your voice.
Laryngitis is swelling of the voice box (larynx). It causes a hoarse, weak or lost voice. Most cases come from a cold or other virus and improve on their own with voice rest. At Urgent Care Center of Westmont in Westmont, IL, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, our team can check your throat, look for other causes and help you plan your recovery.
See a provider if hoarseness lasts more than one to two weeks, if it comes with fever or trouble swallowing, or if a young child has any trouble breathing. Trouble breathing is an emergency.
Key facts
Acute laryngitis usually lasts a few days and clears within a week or two, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Whispering strains the voice box; full voice rest is gentler.
A home humidifier set to about 30 percent humidity helps keep the throat moist, per the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks is called chronic laryngitis and should be checked by a clinician.
Causes and common symptoms of laryngitis
Common causes
Viral infections, such as a cold, which are the most common cause
Overusing your voice by shouting, singing or talking for long periods
Acid reflux (GERD) irritating the throat
Smoking or breathing in irritants
Allergies or, less often, a bacterial infection
Symptoms
Hoarseness or a raspy voice
Weak voice or loss of voice
Tickling, rawness or soreness in the throat
Dry cough
Fever or swollen glands in the neck, when an infection is the cause
How we evaluate laryngitis at our Westmont, IL clinic
The provider will ask how long your voice has been affected, how much you use your voice, and whether you have cold symptoms, heartburn or allergies. They will examine your throat, ears, neck and lungs.
If an infection seems likely, the provider may use rapid strep or flu testing to help guide care. MedlinePlus notes that antibiotics do not help viral laryngitis, so your provider will only suggest them when a bacterial infection is found.
Care that helps most people
Rest your voice as much as you can
Drink plenty of fluids
Use a humidifier or breathe in steam
Avoid smoking and smoky rooms
Use pain relievers as directed for throat soreness
The NIDCD advises seeing a doctor for hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks, especially without a cold or flu. If yours does not improve, we can refer you to your primary care provider or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
When to seek emergency care
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Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for trouble breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), drooling or trouble swallowing, especially in a child. In children, these can be signs of croup or epiglottitis, which can block the airway.
Get prompt care for coughing up blood, a lump in the neck, or hoarseness in a baby under 3 months. Call 911 for chest pain, stroke signs such as sudden trouble speaking, or severe bleeding.
Walk-ins are welcome at both of our locations: the main clinic at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559, and our second location inside Jewel-Osco at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. Both are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (630) 324-6825, or check in online before you arrive.
We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), BCBS Advocate Good Samaritan (HMO), Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian and CountyCare. Coverage varies, so please call to confirm your plan. Read more on our cost and insurance page.
No insurance? Self-pay patients get flat, upfront pricing, with a general visit from $125. Ask about the price of any tests before they are done. See self-pay urgent care pricing.
Laryngitis from a virus usually gets better on its own. MedlinePlus advises contacting a provider if hoarseness lasts more than one to two weeks, depending on age.
Should I whisper when I have laryngitis?
Resting your voice is the main treatment. Try to talk as little as possible and let your voice box heal.
Do I need antibiotics for laryngitis?
Usually not. Most laryngitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics do not work on viruses. Your provider will check for signs of a bacterial infection.
When is hoarseness serious?
Hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks, or that comes with coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, a neck lump or trouble breathing, should be checked by a doctor.
How can I get my voice back fast?
There is no quick fix, but rest helps most. Stop talking as much as you can, do not whisper, drink water and breathe humid air. Most laryngitis from a virus improves within a week or two. Lozenges can soothe a sore throat but do not heal the voice box itself.
Is laryngitis contagious?
Laryngitis is swelling of the voice box, so it is not contagious on its own. When a cold or flu virus causes it, that virus can spread. Wash your hands, cover coughs and avoid sharing cups. Laryngitis from overusing your voice or from acid reflux does not spread.
Can kids get laryngitis?
Yes. Children often get hoarse with colds or after a lot of yelling. Voice rest and fluids help. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 18, as Cleveland Clinic advises. A barking cough in a young child can be croup, which should be checked. See our kids urgent visit page.
Can I go to work with laryngitis?
If you feel well and have no fever, you may be able to work while limiting how much you talk. If a cold or flu caused it, the CDC suggests staying home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without medicine and your symptoms are improving. Check in online if you need a work note.
“Efficient kind smart ~ on the road to recovering. After seeing you it's the best I've felt. Your direction will get me back to work sooner and stronger. Thank you I'm glad your in my neighborhood. PjS”
PJ S. · January 2025 · Google★★★★★
“Amazing ! Was called back way before my appt time & was in and out in less than 30 minutes ! Staff was super friendly & helpful. Made my son feel comfortable! Would 100% recommend !”
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“I was in and out and staff was very friendly. I love that for them.”
