Which pharmacologic therapy is commonly used for symptomatic relief in acute laryngitis?

• A. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Antivirals
• D. Immunosuppressants

Answer: (A)

Acute laryngitis is usually viral, so the goal is to ease symptoms rather than eradicate a pathogen. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs are commonly used because they reduce throat pain and fever, improving comfort and allowing normal activities. They target the patient’s symptoms rather than the cause, which is why they’re the typical pharmacologic approach for acute laryngitis.

Antibiotics aren’t indicated because they treat bacteria, not viruses, and offer no benefit in a viral illness. Antivirals would only be appropriate for specific viral infections on a case-by-case basis, not as routine therapy for acute laryngitis. Immunosuppressants have no role here and could be harmful. Supportive measures like voice rest and humidified air also help, but the symptomatic relief from analgesics is the mainstay of pharmacologic management.