Laryngitis Tips

Laryngitis is an infection or irritation of the voice box (larynx).  The most common cause is a viral infection.
It causes hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation to the vocal folds (vocal cords)

Symptoms

• Hoarseness
• Loss of voice
• Urge to constantly clear your throat
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Throat pain
• Cough

Causes

• Viral infections such as a cold
• Allergies
• Excessive talking
• Excessive singing
• Excessive yelling
• Cigarette smoke
• Backflow (reflux) of stomach acid into the throat
• Heavy drinking or smoking can lead to chronic laryngitis
• Laryngitis is often caused by a virus or by bacteria.

Prevention and Home Treatment

• Rest your voice. Talk as little as possible.
• Stop shouting.
• Do not whisper as whispering is harder on your vocal chords than talking.
• Avoid clearing your throat.
• If hoarseness is caused by a cold, treat the cold.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid others who are smoking.
• Humidify your bedrooms or whole house, if possible.
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of liquids; water, orange juice, etc. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water per day.
• To soothe your throat, gargle with warm salt water ( 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water), or drink weak team or hot water with honey.
• Ibuprofen and aspirin may help alleviate fever and some of the discomfort associated with laryngitis.
• Avoid speaking when possible. Speak softly, but do not whisper.
• Drink warm liquids such as tea or a honey-lemon drink.