10 Home Remedies for Laryngitis
Laryngitis is when the voice box/vocal cords become inflamed due to overuse, infection or irritation. This can result in hoarseness of the voice that varies in severity in accordance with the degree of the irritation, overuse or infection. When this happens the vocal cords swell and this distorts the sound they make when air passes over them, producing the hoarse voice we associate with laryngitis as a result.
Laryngitis can be both acute and chronic. In most cases it is caused by a viral infection that passes quite quickly and isn’t usually considered dangerous. If a hoarse voice is persistent, this may signal that there is a more serious underlying medical condition and it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
Voice changes are quite common, but it’s a good idea to know what to look for when identifying potential laryngitis. Laryngitis shouldn’t last more than two weeks, but it’s important to take some steps to protect the people around you if you suspect you have laryngitis. If laryngitis is due to a viral infection in can be very contagious. If you suspect you have laryngitis, here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Hoarseness of voice
- Weak voice
- Voice loss
- Tickling or raw sensation in your throat
- Sore throat
- Dry throat
- Dry cough not followed by any other cold or flu symptoms
Most cases of laryngitis can be treated at home, but it’s important to note that permanent damage to your vocal cords is possible in some cases. If your symptoms persist longer than two weeks, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. If you have any of these symptoms then you should seek medical attention right away:
- Have trouble breathing
- A persistent fever
- Coughing up blood
- Increasing pain
But if you feel you want to handle your symptoms on your own, it’s a great idea to avoid pharmaceuticals and try some natural and healthy methods for dealing with your laryngitis. Here are 10 home remedies for laryngitis:
10 Home Remedies for Laryngitis
#1 – Rest your voice One of the best remedies for laryngitis is to give your vocal cords some proper rest. When you have laryngitis your vocal cords are swollen and irritated, and they really need some time to heal. It’s a good idea to avoid situations that require talking, shouting or singing.
#2 – Gargle with salt water Soothing an irritated throat with salt water might not sound like a good idea, but it helps kill the bacteria that may be responsible for your laryngitis. All you have to do is mix a 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water, gargle allowing the salt water to go as far back in your throat as you can. Spit it out and repeat. You can do this up 3-4 times per day.
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#3 – Garlic Garlic is perhaps one of the oldest home remedies and it works for a myriad of different health conditions. Garlic is also one of the few naturally occurring antibiotics, and it also has anti-bacterial properties.
Eating raw garlic is the most effective way of taking advantage of its healing properties, but if raw garlic is too strong for you, try adding freshly crushed garlic to your meals to dilute its potency. If you don’t like the taste of garlic or your body has problems digesting it, you can also get garlic supplements in every pharmacy or drug store.
#4 – Ginger Ginger is another age-old remedy used for many ailments, and it can help you fight laryngitis effectively as well. Ginger helps with sore throats and upper respiratory infections. Ginger also has anti-bacterial properties and works great as an anti-inflammatory helping reduce inflammation and swelling.
You can drink ginger tea or steep fresh ginger in hot water. Once the ginger water or tea cools down, you can add a spoon of honey it. Honey is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and works great combined with ginger as an effective remedy for laryngitis.
#5 – Drink lots of fluids Eating or drinking may be the last thing you want to do if you’re suffering from laryngitis, especially you experience pain while swallowing. But drinking cool liquids help soothe the throat and vocal cords. It’s also important to stay hydrated when your body is fighting an infection or a virus. It’s recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
It’s important to note that there are certain beverages to avoid when you have laryngitis:
- Soda
- Hot beverages
- Acidic beverages
- Sugary beverages
- Any other irritating liquids
- Milk and dairy products increase mucus production and are best avoided
10 Home Remedies for Laryngitis
#6 – Avoid alcohol and tobacco Alcohol and tobacco are irritants and promote inflammation, so it’s a good idea to avoid these completely if you’re suffering from laryngitis. Alcohol and cigarettes may actually be the cause of laryngitis in heavy drinkers and regular smokers.
#7 – Use a humidifier Keeping a high level of moisture in the air can help soothe your vocal cords. Dry air promotes throat irritation, heating systems dry air out, so this is especially important during winter time.
#8 – Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is known to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial and can also help with inflammation. Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for laryngitis. You’ll want to use equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and gargle deep in the throat up to four times per day.
#9 – Eucalyptus or tea tree oil steam inhalation Eucalyptus and tea tree oil both have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Inhaling these oils using steam is a great idea to help kill the bacteria or virus that is responsible for your laryngitis. What you want to do is pour a bowl of hot water, add one drop of eucalyptus or tea tree oil and cover your head with a towel. Breathe in and out through your mouth or nose.
It’s important to note that these essential oils are quite potent, so it’s a good idea to start with only one drop to avoid being overwhelmed.
#10 – Keep a healthy gut A healthy gut is responsible for a healthy immune system, and if your laryngitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection a healthy gut can give your immune system the boost it needs to fight that infection. A healthy gut is most effective as prophylactic, as it can take quite some time to make sure you have all the right bacteria to ensure your gut is healthy and happy. But, it’s a great idea to eat foods that promote a healthy gut, avoiding dairy, when you’re suffering from laryngitis. Non-dairy foods that promote a healthy gut are:
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Sourdough
- Olive oil
- Almonds
You can also take probiotic supplements that can be found at every pharmacy and drug store.
It’s important to note that if your laryngitis isn’t going away or if your symptoms have you worried, you should see a doctor or seek medical attention. But if you feel you can deal with your symptoms on your own, it’s a great idea to avoid pharmaceuticals and try using natural and more healthy remedies.
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Laryngitis References and Laryngitis Information
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374262#:~:text=Laryngitis%20is%20an%20inflammation%20of,through%20their%20movement%20and%20vibration.
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374262#:~:text=Laryngitis%20is%20an%20inflammation%20of,through%20their%20movement%20and%20vibration.
- National Library of Medicine (Scientific Study): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
- Research Gate (Scientific Study): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257416254_Ginger_A_functional_herb
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326246#increasing-fluid-intake
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326246#avoiding-smoking-and-alcohol
- Online Library Wiley (Scientific Study): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ffj.3252
- Read Also: https://homeremediesapp.com/10-home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/