Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions

Last month I had laryngitis which lasted about a week. Is there any way to avoid it and, if I do get another dose, what is the best way to treat it?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx and the vocal cords (voice box), usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold. For most people it will normally resolve by itself within a week.

The vocal cords become inflamed and this causes a sore throat, slight fever and hoarseness, which is only temporary, and lasts for two to three days. It may also be due to inhaled irritants or reflux disease.