A change in your voice and a heavy throat often point to laryngitis, typically caused by a viral infection, vocal strain, or acid reflux. Since most cases are viral, antibiotics will not help. I recommend resting your voice, staying well-hydrated with warm fluids, and performing warm saline gargles. For symptomatic relief, you can use over-the-counter throat lozenges or pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid smoking and caffeine. If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks or if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, please consult an ENT specialist for a physical evaluation.

Frequent throat infections require a proper medical evaluation to find the root cause, such as recurrent tonsillitis, acid reflux, or allergies. Please do not take antibiotics without a prescription, as they only work for bacterial infections (like strep) and will not help viral ones. For temporary symptom relief, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, throat lozenges, and warm saltwater gargles. I highly recommend visiting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can swab your throat to determine the exact cause and prescribe the correct targeted treatment.

You should take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever, headache, and body pain. Gargle with warm salt water or use throat lozenges for your sore throat. Drink warm fluids, rest well, and use a humidifier to keep the air moist. If your fever stays high, you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or your symptoms last more than a week, please see your doctor to check for a bacterial infection.