Treating laryngitis symptoms with home remedies

An inflammation of the voice box, also called the larynx, laryngitis famously often results in a lost voice. It’s a pretty common condition that can happen as a result of viral or bacterial infections in the throat or sinuses. Ever struggled with losing your voice while fighting a cold? Odds are good you were dealing with laryngitis.

Laryngitis usually clears up after a few days. Unfortunately, the symptoms can leave you pretty miserable until it resolves. Fortunately, there are some safe at-home remedies that can help speed up the healing process.

What are the most common symptoms of laryngitis?

Laryngitis is most often associated with overuse or misuse of the voice box, irritation or infection. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections, vocal strain, acid reflux, chronic sinusitis, environmental irritants, smoking and alcohol. Rarely, something more serious, such as cancer, vocal cord paralysis or bowing of the vocal cords due to age is responsible.

There are two types of laryngitis: acute and chronic. Acute laryngitis usually lasts less than three weeks, while chronic laryngitis persists for three weeks or longer.

Inflammation of the larynx causes a variety of symptoms, including:

• Lost voice
• Hoarseness
• Painful swallowing
• Chronic cough
• Postnasal drip (that feeling like something is constantly at the back of your throat)
• Dry throat
• Lump in the throat
• Frequent throat clearing

Treating laryngitis symptoms at home

While you’re taking the meds you need to resolve the illness causing your laryngitis symptoms, or waiting for it to resolve on its own, there are some at-home remedies you can rely on to feel better.

First off, rest your voice: The best thing you can do to promote getting your voice back is simply not to use it. Spending some time without talking will help reduce the swelling and irritation, so your vocal chords can heal more quickly. Whispering actually places more strain on the vocal chords than speaking quietly, so in this case, silence really is golden.

Gargle with saltwater: Saltwater helps kill harmful bacteria and soothes throat pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of warm water, stirring until it dissolves. Gargle in the back of the throat and then spit it out, being careful not to swallow the water. Repeat several times a day for a minimum of 24 hours.

Use a humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe a dry or inflamed throat. Try adding cooling essential oils, such as menthol or eucalyptus, for an added boost… but if you have pets, it’s best to skip this step.

Eat foods with antibacterial properties: Garlic, ginger root and honey all have proven antibacterial properties that have been demonstrated to ease cold and flu symptoms and help you recover from an infection more quickly. It’s easy to incorporate garlic into many different foods, while ginger and honey can both be mixed into hot water or tea. Warm liquids also help with throat discomfort, so consider a garlic-laden chicken noodle soup as part of your plan to heal!

Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated is important when you’re suffering from a sore throat or laryngitis. Both warm and cool liquids will help soothe vocal cords and moisten a dry throat. Just be sure to stay away from soda, very hot beverages and milk, all of which can worsen symptoms.

Manage acid reflux: If you experience frequent heartburn, try over-the-counter antacids. Also, avoid large meals and wait at least three hours after eating to go to bed. Stay away from foods like caffeine, chocolate, spicy or fatty foods and peppermint, all of which can trigger acid reflux symptoms.

Avoid smoking and alcohol: Cigarettes and alcohol can both contribute to inflammation, so it’s best to stay away from these substances when you’re experiencing laryngitis.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help: Over-the-counter medications can help relieve swelling and throat discomfort, making you more comfortable while your illness runs its course. Generic pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen work well, too. Aspirin might help, but do not give it to children; it has the potential to cause a life-threatening illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Be sure to follow dosing instructions on the bottle, and don’t take more than the label recommends.

If throat pain and laryngitis haven’t resolved within two weeks and you have tried these home remedies, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your doctor or looking into a referral with an ear, nose and throat specialist to take a closer look at what might by causing your pain and discomfort.