What Is Laryngitis?

The last thing you want to happen before a presentation, speech, or public performance is to lose your voice. What does it mean to be deafened? When you lose your voice, it’s usually because of laryngitis, which is an infection of the larynx. Before we look at some of the most popular home remedies for laryngitis, let’s have a look at the causes and symptoms of the condition. Laryngitis is a disorder that causes inflammation of the larynx. Your vocal cords are housed in the larynx, often known as the voice box. These are tissue folds that vibrate and produce sound when you speak or sing. These vocal cords get inflamed when you have laryngitis, resulting in swelling, redness, and rigidity. Your vocal cords no longer vibrate as they should, causing your voice to sound different. In severe situations, the inflammation of your vocal cords might be so severe that you lose your ability to speak completely. Acute laryngitis and chronic laryngitis are the two forms of laryngitis. Both cause the same type of irritation of the vocal cords. The distinction is in the cause of the condition.

Types of Laryngitis

Acute Laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is a one-time occurrence. It’s the result of a viral upper respiratory tract illness or a one-time occurrence that puts a strain on your vocal cords. Acute laryngitis can be resolved rather fast with good rest and therapy.

Chronic Laryngitis

Chronic laryngitis is more severe and more difficult to treat. It is caused by recurrent actions or situations that induce laryngeal injury. Among these activities are:

• Inhalation of irritants, chemicals, or allergens by smoking or inhalation of irritants, chemicals, or allergens
• Acid reflux that affects the larynx (laryngopharyngeal reflux)
• Upper respiratory tract fungal or bacterial illness
  Work-related vocal cord trauma on a regular basis (singers, teachers, public speakers, etc.)

Symptoms of Laryngitis

In most cases, laryngitis symptoms last only a few weeks and are caused by a mild infection such as a virus, and sometimes, symptoms are triggered by something more serious or long-lasting. Among the symptoms of laryngitis are:

• Hoarseness
• Voice loss or deterioration
• Tickling sensation and throat rawness
• Throat discomfort
• Throat irritation
• Dry cough

8 Home Remedies for Laryngitis

Home remedies may be useful in relieving the discomfort caused by laryngitis. If you’re seeking a quick remedy for laryngitis without going to the doctor, here are several home remedies to try. Who knows, you might just be able to regain your voice in time for that major presentation.

Rest your Voice

Your vocal cords become swollen and inflamed when you have laryngitis. They require time to recover. Avoid circumstances that necessitate a lot of speech or shouting. If you have to speak in a group or meeting, avoid the urge to raise your voice even higher to be heard. Calling into a speakerphone that can be turned up or utilizing another amplifying equipment may be an option. Singing will irritate your vocal cords, so rest for a few days. Use your voice as little as possible and at a volume that seems natural to you.

Use Essential Oils

The natural compounds that give plants their essence are found in essential oils. Many over-the-counter treatments, including lozenges and lotions, contain eucalyptus tree components. Eucalyptus oils aid in the loosening of mucus and the relief of discomfort. To disseminate the essential oil throughout your home, add four or five drops to a diffusor or humidifier, or dab some on your pillow at night. You should never consume essential oils orally.

Suck on Lozenges

Strepsils, Ricola, Robitussin, Hacks, Fisherman’s Friend, and Nim Jiom Herbal Candy are all good options. Choose one from your local grocery or convenience shop. These lozenges contain herbal extracts that can help to soothe and quiet your throat. Throat lozenges, in addition to being comforting, can assist to wet your throat, relieve pain, minimize coughing, and can also assist to relieve throat irritation.

Ginger Root

Ginger root has a plethora of health benefits. For thousands of years, it’s been utilized in traditional medicine. Ginger helps to relieve the dry, unpleasant cough that frequently occurs with laryngitis. It can also aid in the treatment of throat infections.
Ginger is a versatile root that may be utilized in a variety of dishes. Fresh ginger root (peeled) can be added to smoothies and drinks, or chopped up and used in a stir fry. You may also make a tea out of fresh ginger root by steeping it in a pot of boiling water.

Add Moisture with a Humidifier

Breathing dry air might irritate your throat and contribute to vocal cord inflammation. This is especially frequent during the winter when heating systems blast dry air into your home or office. A cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer will offer healing moisture to the air while also aiding in the removal of phlegm. You can opt for a warm shower or soak in a warm bath if you don’t have a humidifier.

Gaggle Warm Salt Water

Warm salt water can be used to treat a painful and inflamed throat. In an 8-ounce glass of warm water, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt. Take a sip and gargle it around the back of your throat before spitting it out. Because the water will cool in your mouth, take another sip and repeat as needed.

Drink Lots of Fluid

It’s usually a good idea to drink plenty of fluids while you’re unwell. This is also true if you have a sore throat. Water, juice, clear broth, and tea will help you stay hydrated while also loosening phlegm and flushing out mucus. Warm drinks, such as tea and soup, can help relieve congestion by boosting mucus movement. Caffeine-containing beverages, on the other hand, should be avoided as they can cause dehydration.

Drink Tea with Honey

Nothing soothes an upset throat better than a warm cup of tea. Plus, tea can do a lot more than just make you feel better. Herbal teas, such as chamomile, contain antioxidants that can aid your immune system. Honey has therapeutic properties, so add some to your tea as it is demonstrated in studies to reduce mucus production and treat coughs as efficiently as over-the-counter drugs.

What to Avoid when you Have Laryngitis

Try to avoid the following while your voice is healing:

Whispering

It may seem strange, but whispering exerts greater strain on your vocal cords than speaking normally.

Singing and Yelling

Don’t put your vocal cords under any extra strain. This will only result in increased inflammation and a lengthier healing time.

Smoking

Smoking, especially e-cigarettes, can irritate your throat, induce coughing, and lengthen the healing process.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol because it dehydrates the body.

Try not to Clear your Throat

You clear your throat due to throat inflammation and the inability to talk naturally. While it may be tough, avoid this at all costs. Clearing your throat aggravates laryngeal pain and irritation.

Avoid Hot Foods

Avoid chili, curry, and anything hot if you have laryngitis. Spicy foods might aggravate gastric reflux.

Decongestants

Decongestants in over-the-counter cold medications might dry out your throat, creating more irritation.

Now that you Know…

Acute laryngitis usually resolves on its own within a week. The inflammation exposes the area, making infection more likely. Because some episodes of laryngitis are caused by a viral illness or overuse of the voice, antibiotics are ineffective. If you’re a singer or someone who needs to use their voice often, a corticosteroids prescription will help reduce inflammation in the vocal cords. If your hoarseness lasts longer than a few weeks, you may have chronic (long-term) laryngitis and requires medical attention since it could be a result of an underlying condition such as acid reflux or bacterial infection. However, by following some of these home remedies effectively, you will be able to curb some of the symptoms and give yourself relief.