Laryngitis is a condition of larynx (voice box) characterized by its inflammation due to irritation, infection or overuse. Laryngitis is of two types, acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis settles down in less than three weeks, whereas chronic type may remain longer than three weeks. The main causes of laryngitis are a viral or bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, irritation in the throat induced by smoking, singing, shouting and environmental allergies. The symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness and tickling in the throat, loss of voice, dry cough and low-grade fever.
How Do You Prevent Getting Laryngitis?
The inflammation of the larynx (voice box) is called laryngitis. Larynx gets swollen due to various reasons such as overuse of larynx while speaking loud, yelling or singing, viral or bacterial infections or irritation in the throat triggered by smoking, excess alcohol consumption, or environmental allergies.
In laryngitis, the vocal cords get swollen and inflamed. Swelling of the vocal cord distorts the waves of sound by deviation of air over them leading to hoarseness in the voice.
Laryngitis can be acute or chronic according to onset and duration of the symptoms. Acute laryngitis settles down in less than three weeks whereas chronic laryngitis remains for more than three weeks.
The Symptoms Of Laryngitis Are Following-
- Low-grade fever
- Tickling in the throat
- Weakness in the voice
- Hoarseness
- Dryness in the throat
- Dry cough
- Loss of voice
One cannot prevent laryngitis in any definite way but there are few measures that can be adapted to prevent laryngitis and they are-
Wash of Hands- Laryngitis are mostly triggered by infections. Washing hands regularly with soap, hand wash and water can be helpful to prevent common infections. Hand sanitizers can also remove germs to a great extent. The habit of regular washing of hands mainly before eating and after use of bathrooms can reduce the chances of catching an infection.
Avoidance of People with a Cough and Cold- The infections of the upper respiratory tract are usually caused by viral or bacterial infections and mostly spread by sneezing and coughing. If you want to avoid a cough and cold, one should avoid any contact with the people who have a common cold and cough. Those who have caught a common cold and cough, they should stay indoors until their fever subsides to prevent the spread of infection to the healthy people they meet.
Covering Face And Mouth While Sneezing And Coughing- One should be careful while sneezing and coughing, he or she should use handkerchiefs at the time of sneezing and cough to avoid the spread of infections. One should not share their food or drinks with others to avoid further infections.
Avoidance of Irritants- If you are recurrently affected by laryngitis, then you may be getting exposed to certain substances that cause constant irritation to your throat. Cigarette and tobacco smoking triggers irritation in the throat. Non-smokers should also stay away from smokers. Excessive alcohol consumption also provokes irritation causing dryness in the throat leading to laryngitis. Acid reflux may also irritate the throat.
Resting Your Voice- One should rest their voice after overuse like singing or speaking loud by professional singers, teachers. Rest to the voice is equally essential for them to prevent chronic laryngitis.
Avoidance Of Certain Chemicals – Some chemicals present at the workplace, at home or in some mouth fresheners or mouthwash may trigger allergic reactions in some people causing laryngitis.
Introduction of Healthy Food in Diet- One should adopt healthy eating habit by introducing fresh fruits, and vegetables in their meals avoiding spicy food can cause acid reflux.
Conclusion
Inflammation of the vocal cords caused by infections, voice overuse or certain irritants is termed as laryngitis. It causes hoarseness, tickling, dry cough and loss of voice. Certain ways discussed above can be adapted to prevent laryngitis.
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