There are times when you might find yourself at a loss for words - not because you are embarrassed or surprised, but because you have contacted laryngitis. This might also cause a slight irritation in your throat and if you don’t happen to lose your voice altogether, all you will be able to communicate in is in hoarse whispers. Laryngitis is the loss of voice due to inflammation of the larynx or the voice box. It is far more serious than the simple sore throat. Various factors can cause the voice box to inflame, the most common being the infection of the upper respiratory tract due to common cold and shouting or yelling, which can leave one painfully hoarse. Both viruses and bacteria can cause laryngitis and if it is the latter, then an antibiotic must be taken. Apart from pain, there is also a scratchy feeling in the throat that requires constant clearing. If you are suffering from laryngitis, then the few simple remedies given below will help you find relief as well as cure.
Home Treatment for Laryngitis
- During laryngitis, the vocal cords become swollen and infected. A salt-water gargle is very effective in soothing the sore throat. Just take a cup of warm water and add half a teaspoon of salt to it. Do not add more than half a teaspoon, as too much salt will increase the irritation. Gargle with this salt water several times a day to get relief against laryngitis.
- The infection of the throat can be reduced to a great extent by increasing the acidic level. This is because virus and bacteria cannot thrive in an acidic environment. Vinegar is a weak acid that can eliminate the germs and reduce infections. So, gargling with vinegar is an effective remedy against laryngitis. For this, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a cup and gargle two to four times a day.
- An effective remedy for sore throat caused due to laryngitis is lemon. You can suck onto a slice of lemon or mix lemon juice with salt and gargle instead. Because the lemon is acidic and stimulates the flow of saliva, it is a good way to soothe and moisten the throat. Adding salt increases the acidity of the lemon, which helps in curing infections. Just mix a pinch of normal salt to the juice of a lemon and gargle about three to four times a day.
- Ginger is a very good remedy against sore throat and viral infections, as it is a good source of an anti-microbial substance called allicin. This substance is very effective in killing bacteria and some type of viruses. Sucking on a slice of garlic will provide immense relief against sore throat. You can also cut a clove of garlic in half and put them on each side of your mouth.
- Ginger can soothe the inflamed mucus membrane of the larynx, thus providing relief. You can suck on a slice of ginger or drink ginger tea. To make this tea, just add slices of a medium size piece of ginger into four cups of boiling water. Let the water simmer for 30 minutes at low heat and then cool and strain. Drink a cup of this ginger tea three to four times a day to cure laryngitis.
- Steam can also provide relief from sore throat. Boil half a pot of water and then place the pot on a table. Drape a towel over your head, lean forward, so that you cover the pot with the towel to prevent the steam from escaping and inhale the vapor for ten to fifteen minutes. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening.
- The best ways to prevent laryngitis is to avoid germs. Laryngitis is highly contractable. So, if someone near you has a cold, then take extra care to wash your hands with soap and water. You should also clean all the common surfaces with vinegar like telephone and door handles.
Things To Avoid
- The caffeine present in beverages like tea, coffee and colas makes the body dehydrated, which makes the mouth and throat dry. So, when you are suffering from laryngitis, avoid all these beverages. Instead, drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and moisten the mouth and throat.
- Like beverages, alcohol also dehydrates the body and can cause long-term problems to your vocal cords. Avoid drinking alcohol and it will be easier to cure laryngitis.
- Smoking can aggravate laryngitis further. Therefore, it is better to quit or at least stop smoking when you are suffering from laryngitis, as nicotine irritates the larynx and delays the healing process. You should also avoid the company of other smokers, as passive smoke is also harmful.
- Avoid dry, dusty places, as inhaling the dust irritates the throat and also makes it dry.