The bottom line? Most of the time your laryngitis will resolve itself in a week or two, with no lasting effects. But if the problem lingers on toward a month, it’s a good idea to get checked by a otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat) doctor to make sure there isn’t something serious at work.

Hoarseness can be caused by a number of conditions. The most common cause of hoarseness is acute laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords) caused most often by an upper respiratory tract infection (usually viral), and less commonly from overuse or misuse of the voice (such as from yelling or singing).

You should see your doctor if you: have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks. have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time and you are not dieting. are short of breath or have a cough that doesn’t go away, or your breathing becomes noisy (stridor)

Experiencing unexpected hoarseness or voice loss can indicate an underlying health condition. Other possible causes include: Acid reflux, known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) Growths on your vocal cord tissue, also called vocal nodules, polyps, cysts, and contact ulcers.

In some cases of laryngitis, your voice can become almost undetectable. Laryngitis may be short-lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). Most cases of laryngitis are triggered by a temporary viral infection and aren’t serious. Persistent hoarseness can sometimes signal a more serious underlying medical condition.

Ten Best Ways to Lose My Voice

1. Scream Into a Pillow. Rayes/Photodisc/Getty Images.
2. Acidic Beverages. Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images.
3. Strained Singing. Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images.
4. Sleep With Your Mouth Open. Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images.
5. Cold Pack Around the Neck.
6. Cold Foods.
7. Cheering Loudly at a Sporting Event.
8. Cough Hard.