Laryngitis refers to the voice box/larynx inflammation because of infection, irritation or mechanical overuse of vocal cords. Voice box/larynx remains present as two different mucous membrane folds to cover cartilage and muscles, while holds vocal cords within it. In normal conditions, vocal cords of a person open as well as close in a smooth manner to produce sounds based on vibration and movement.
However, in case of laryngitis, vocal cords suffer irritation or inflammation. The swelling thus results in sounds’ distortion produced from air passes on them, which causes hoarse voice sounds. Moreover, in some cases, voice of a laryngitis patient becomes undetectable for other people.
Can Laryngitis Go Away On Its Own?
Indeed, the question that comes in the mind of laryngitis patients or their family members, whether the problem goes away on it’s own or if not, what they should do exactly. In many cases, the problem of laryngitis will eventually go away on its own, especially if the laryngitis is caused by excessive voice use or viral infection. If laryngitis is due to a bacterial infection, you will need antibiotics prescription. For this-
Self-Care Methods/Precautions
You should initially start with a few self-care methods/precautions to reduce strain on the voice or symptoms of the problem. These include-
Inhale Moist Air
You should opt to use a suitable humidifier to assure that air throughout the office or home remains moist. Even you should inhale steam via a bowl containing hot water or choose to take hot shower.
Rest Your Voice As Much As You Can
You should avoid singing in a loud voice or talking for some days. In case you have to speak in front of large groups, you should make sure using a megaphone or a microphone.
Avoid Toxic Beverages and Prevent Dehydration
Intake of caffeine and alcohol, along with other related toxic beverages may make the symptoms of your laryngitis problem worse. Hence, to avoid further problems, you should strictly avoid toxic beverages. In addition, you should have water in plenty of amounts, so that you prevent the condition of dehydration.
Moisten The Throat
You should try for sucking on toffees/lozenges and gargle by using salt water or chew chewing gums to keep your throat in moist condition.
Avoid The Intake of Decongestants
You should stop or avoid the intake of decongestants, as those medicines may dry out the throat. In case you require such medications regularly, you should discuss with your doctor and your speech therapist.
Avoid The Habit of Whispering
Whispering unlike normal speech puts relatively higher strain on the voice. Because of this, laryngitis patients should avoid this habit at least for 1-week period.
Home Remedies
Along with the aforementioned precautions, you should follow important home remedies to get immediate relief:
Honey
Honey plays an important role in reducing the inflammation of your voice box. Hence, you should have half-teaspoon of honey in the mouth and allow it melt, while let it move down via your throat based on gravity.
Lemon Juice
Acidic property of lemon juice helps in destroying the harmful bacteria and gives you relieve form the pain caused from laryngitis.
Ginger
Ginger acts as an excellent remedy to cure almost every type of throat problem. Hence, with regular intake of ginger tea will clear the throat and reduce larynx inflammation.
Vinegar
Next, laryngitis patient should gargle by using vinegar in diluted form. For this, you should add vinegar of only 2-tablespoon in 1 glass of water, while stir it properly. You may go with either of the Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar, whichever remains available. Vinegar creates a bit acidic environment in your throat while you gargle by using it and thereby, damages bacteria and viruses. Thus, vinegar gargle gives you instant relief from laryngitis inflammation and pain both.
Garlic
Garlic releases allicin to kill the harmful bacteria. Hence, you should cut long garlic slice and place it in your mouth to suck it gently.
Conclusion
Therefore, laryngitis in most of the cases is curable on own, provided the patient follows aforementioned precautions and home-remedies.
- Mayo Clinic – “Laryngitis” Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374262 Summary: Mayo Clinic provides an overview of laryngitis, its causes, symptoms, and self-care measures.
- WebMD – “Home Remedies for Laryngitis” Link: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/what-are-some-home-remedies-for-laryngitis Summary: WebMD offers insights into home remedies for laryngitis, including the use of honey, lemon juice, ginger, vinegar, and garlic.
- Harvard Health Publishing – “Laryngitis” Link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/laryngitis-a-to-z Summary: Harvard Health Publishing provides information on laryngitis, its symptoms, and self-care strategies.
- MedlinePlus – “Laryngitis” Link: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001385.htm Summary: MedlinePlus offers a comprehensive overview of laryngitis, including causes, symptoms, and self-help measures.
- Cleveland Clinic – “Laryngitis: Care Instructions” Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3990-laryngitis-care-instructions
Also Read:
- How Do You Get Laryngitis & What To Take For It?
- Is Ginger Good for Laryngitis?
- How do you Prevent Getting Laryngitis?
- Why is it Bad to Whisper when you have Laryngitis?
- Is Laryngitis a Symptom of Throat Cancer?
- Can you Permanently Lose your Voice from Laryngitis?
- Do you Need to Take Antibiotics for Laryngitis?