There is probably a time you suddenly experience having a raspy, hoarse voice accompanied by bouts of barking, loud cough even if you didn’t exert any force on your voice. It is because you are likely to be suffering from laryngitis or vocal loss. At some point, even you realize that it slowly becomes difficult to talk.
When you have laryngitis, it is characterized by uncomfortable sensations around your vocal chords since it is inflamed. It usually accompanies conditions like common cold and flu. Fortunately, many cases of laryngitis can pretty much be treated at home.
Laryngitis: What is it and what causes it
Laryngitis or vocal loss is characterized by a condition where a person’s voice becomes hoarse or will be at a loss because of inflammation in the vocal cords. The vocal chords are located inside the larynx and are known to be the elastic bands that vibrate and which produces the voice. As it normally functions, it contracts and expands smoothly. However, when we have laryngitis, the vocal cords become swollen.
Our larynx can often become infected by certain viruses causing it to become swollen or inflamed. That’s why it is reported that what commonly causes laryngitis are viruses that have been directed from a different sickness like the flu or common cold. Other causes that may also trigger inflammation in the larynx include:
– Exerting too much force on your voice like shouting a lot or singing
– Certain reactions to allergens
– GERD or acid reflux
– Being exposed to toxins or irritants
Laryngitis: What are the symptoms
When our voice becomes raspy or if we are unable to produce sounds from our vocal cords, it is a clear indication of laryngitis. Other symptoms would include:
– Feeling the throat to be irritated and raw
– Slight fever
– A cough that feels dry and raspy
– Swallowing becomes difficult
For acute laryngitis, the symptoms would usually go away around two weeks or so. If the symptoms last for more than two weeks, then it is best to seek out your doctor for evaluation.
Laryngitis: How to treat it
While there are conventional treatments that can be used to reduce symptoms of vocal loss, using natural remedies is also a good way for treatment. Laryngitis can happen to anyone at any time and can even occur to individuals of all ages.
Generally, one conventional treatment for vocal loss is prescribing antibiotics. However, scientific studies have reported that antibiotics prove ineffective for treating laryngitis. Instead, it is reported that antibiotics can significantly improve or lower the symptoms of laryngitis.
When the inflammation in the vocal cords causes severe damage, the doctor may suggest therapy or even surgery.
For acute laryngitis, the symptoms would usually go away after a time. However, to prevent this, you can turn to natural methods or remedies to help treat and relieve the symptoms. Below are eight easy and effective home treatments you can try.
There has never been a doubt that honey has been used for centuries to help treat various ailments. It is because honey is loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Not only that, honey is a food substance that has the highest nutritional value. It’s no wonder scientists, and medical practitioners attest to the effectivity of honey.
Because of its healing components, honey is able to soothe and reduce allergic reactions which cause laryngitis. To use, add honey in your tea or warm water and drink as many times as needed.
The acid contents in apple cider vinegar help to balance pH levels in our body. Moreover, it is also a rich source of probiotics and digestive enzymes. It helps treat laryngitis especially those caused by GERD or acid reflux. ACV can also fight the bacteria causing infections. As a result, inflammation in the larynx will significantly lessen to reduce symptoms of laryngitis.
To use, add two or three tablespoons of ACV into a glass of water and regularly drink for better results.
- Use a gargle mixed with salt
This method is effective for temporary relief from an irritated throat. Just add a few teaspoons of salt in a cup of warm water and sip. Gargle it towards the back of your throat and spit it out after a few minutes. Repeat the process as often as possible.
- The use of essential oils
Essential oils is another home remedy to help soothe an irritated throat and provide relief from laryngitis. It is because essential oils contain natural chemicals or essence from plants that help lessen the symptoms. You can try eucalyptus or peppermint oil for faster relief. There are over-the-counter options you can get like Vicks Vaporub, or you can buy online.
- Ginger
Ginger is another natural remedy used in traditional medicine for many years. It is because ginger is loaded with antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation in the larynx. On top of that, ginger can also help soothe the irritated throat. To use, just add ginger root or powder in your tea and drink regularly. You can also try candied ginger that is usually available over-the-counter as well.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is also an ideal natural remedy to treat laryngitis. It is because turmeric has plenty of anti-inflammatory properties which promote healing and helps provide relief from soreness in the throat. To use, just add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of water or milk. Add honey for flavor and frequently drink until the symptoms gradually disappear.
- Make sure to rest your voice
One cause for laryngitis is overexerting your voice through shouting loudly or singing without pause. If you’re already experiencing laryngitis, try not to force yourself to speak at all. Try to avoid clearing the throat as well as it can irritate the larynx.
- Stay hydrated
Water is also a good remedy for lessening symptoms of laryngitis. If the room in the house is filled with dry air, try using a humidifier to add moisture and relieve symptoms.
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