Remedies For Laryngitis – Cures To Get Relief Of Voice Hoarseness
What Is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis involves the loss of one’s voice leading to hoarseness while speaking. This is caused by a swelling or an inflammation of the voice box or larynx and the voice folds. Respiratory infections caused by the common cold virus is the usual cause and if the infection turns out to be bacterial, a course of antibiotics may be necessary and you will need to consult your doctor for this at the earliest. Laryngitis can also be caused by using or rather abusing one’s voice by yelling or talking at a high pitch constantly. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by inhaling tobacco smoke as this lowers the pitch of your voice and increases the mass of the larynx. Short term laryngitis is symptomized by pain in and around the larynx, getting tired easily, hoarseness, the loss of range in voice, a scratchiness in the throat, rapines and the need to constantly clear your throat. Laryngitis can also be caused by GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly called heart burn. The acidic contents of the stomach are pushed back up the throat, especially while asleep at night and can lead to laryngitis.
Home Remedies For Laryngitis Voice Disorders
Consult your doctor if the pain is severe, a voice that has a rasp, and the loss of voice continues for more than 72 hours. You would also need to seek medical health if you are afflicted by an upper respiratory infection and a fever that lasts for more than three days, if you have trouble drawing in breath and if you cough up blood. As far as home remedies are concerned, brew some tea without any milk and squeeze the juice of a lemon into it. The tannic acid in the tea will soothe the inflammation and the lemon will cut through the excess mucus bringing your voice back to normal. Drink water at room temperature in order to lubricate the larynx and try to take a hot steamy shower as this will clear the airways and throat, making it easier for you to breathe and talk. Try not to speak at all and rest your vocal chords. Even whispering needs to be avoided as this will only increase the strain on your chords. Avoid gargling with salt water as this can dry out the throat and the vibrations that occur while gargling can cause the vocal chords to slap against each other leading to further irritation. Laryngitis can on occasion be contagious and may be prevented by abstaining from smoking as well as inhaling smoke from those around you. It would also be wise to take care to avoid upper respiratory infections and drink warm liquids such as black tea with a little honey and lemon added to it. Maintain hygiene by washing your hands with an antibacterial soap and use a humidifier in your room if possible.