If you are like me and suffer from laryngitis more often than not then you know the importance of being your own doctor.
This is especially true when it comes to treating laryngitis at home.
There are a number of great home remedies for laryngitis that can help you get relief from the symptoms quickly and easily.
In this post, I will share some of my favorites with you. So, if you are feeling under the weather and have laryngitis, be sure to give these remedies a try!
What is laryngitis and what causes it?
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, which is the part of your throat that contains your vocal cords.
It can be caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, or by bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
Laryngitis can also be caused by overuse of your voice, such as from cheering at a sporting event, yelling, or singing.
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can also irritate your vocal cords and lead to laryngitis.
Laryngitis can be acute, which means it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, which means it lasts for a longer period of time.
Acute laryngitis is usually caused by a viral infection and goes away on its own within a week or two.
Chronic laryngitis, on the other hand, is often caused by smoking, GERD, or other chronic health conditions.
It can last for several weeks and may require treatment.
Symptoms of laryngitis
Symptoms of laryngitis can include:
- Hoarseness
- Loss of voice
- Weak voice
- Sore throat
- Pain when speaking or swallowing
- Dry throat
- Tickling sensation in the throat
- Coughing
- Throat clearing
- Fever (in some cases)
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to rule out any other potential causes, such as strep throat or vocal cord nodules.
However, if your doctor does diagnose you with laryngitis, there are a number of things you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms.
Here are some of my favorite home remedies for laryngitis:
1. Drink plenty of fluids
This is one of the most important things you can do when you have laryngitis.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep your vocal cords hydrated and prevents them from drying out and becoming irritated.
I like to drink a lot of water, herbal tea, and soup when I have laryngitis. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dehydrate you.
2. Rest your voice
Another important home remedy for laryngitis is to rest your voice.
This means avoiding any activities that require you to use your voice, such as talking on the phone, singing, or yelling.
If you must speak, try to whisper. This will help to minimize irritation of your vocal cords.
3. gargle with saltwater
Gargling with salt water is a great way to soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
To make a saltwater gargle, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle the mixture for a few minutes and then spit it out.
Do this several times a day, as needed.
4. Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier is another great way to reduce inflammation and soreness in your throat.
The added moisture will help to keep your vocal cords hydrated and prevent them from drying out.
Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
5. Drink warm liquids
Drinking warm liquids can help to soothe your throat and reduce inflammation.
I like to drink warm water with honey or warm herbal tea when I have laryngitis.
You can also try gargling with warm water mixed with a bit of salt.
6. Apply a warm compress
Applying a warm compress to your neck can also help to reduce inflammation and soreness.
To make a warm compress, soak a clean towel in warm water and wring it out. Place the towel over your neck for 10 minutes.
Repeat this several times a day, as needed.
7. Avoid irritants
There are a number of things that can irritate your vocal cords and make laryngitis worse.
To help reduce irritation, avoid smoking, being around secondhand smoke, and exposure to pollutants and other irritants.
Also, avoid yelling or speaking loudly, as this can put a strain on your vocal cords.
If you have GERD, try to control your symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes.
8. Steam Your Vocal Cord
Inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes, two to four times a day. To help trap the steam, drape a towel over your head, forming a tent around the bowl, and breathe in deeply.
The steam will help restore the lost moisture in your throat and accelerate healing.
• For more powerful healing, add four to six drops of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory essential oils, such as lavender, sandalwood, or chamomile, to your bowl of hot water.
• Make a hot compress using mullein, sage, thyme, or hyssop tea. Apply the compress to your throat, then wrap a dry towel around your neck to keep the heat in.
• Gargle with warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Do this three to four times a day until your symptoms subside.
• Drink licorice root tea several times a day. Licorice has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the throat.
To make the tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root to 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink.
9. Try Throat Coat Tea
Throat coat tea is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used to treat laryngitis for centuries.
The main ingredient in Throat Coat tea is licorice root, which has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation.
Other ingredients in Throat Coat tea include marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, and fennel seed.
You can find Throat Coat tea at most health food stores.
10. See Your Doctor If Your Symptoms Persist
If your symptoms of laryngitis do not improve after two weeks, or if you develop a fever, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, see your doctor.
These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as an infection.
Your doctor can prescribe medication to help relieve your symptoms and speed up the healing process.
Conclusion:
Laryngitis is a condition that can be quite bothersome, causing pain and discomfort. However, there are many home treatments and remedies that can help to lessen the symptoms and speed up the healing process. Be sure to consult with your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
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