Laryngitis is a condition that occurs when the vocal cords are overused or infected, causing voice loss — in some cases, your voice can become distorted or even undetectable. While laryngitis can be a sign of a more serious condition, like the flu, it can also occur from overuse, like cheering at a concert or spending the day lecturing.
In situations where your vocal cords are inflamed without being linked to illness, you don’t have to go to the doctor to get rid of laryngitis. Instead, using home remedies can naturally get rid of this condition.
Treating Voice Loss
Rest Your Voice
One of the most effective remedies is to speak as little as possible — this gives your vocal cords proper time to heal. In situations where you absolutely have to speak, using a voice amplifier or speaker phone will assist in making your voice heard without straining your cords even further.
Gargle Salt Water
Another natural remedy is to gargle with salt water. Mix up to a ½ teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of water and use the solution to gargle before spitting out — this will help with throat irritation.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking apple cider vinegar also helps kill bacteria associated with a mild infection. Add 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar and drink one or two times per day. For a better taste, add honey, which also adds antioxidants and soothes the throat.
Breathe in Steam
Inhaling steam can help loosen phlegm and help relieve a dry throat. Sitting over a warm pot of water or in a hot shower and inhaling steam works just as well. Especially if you’ve lost your voice in the winter (when the air tends to be dry), you may need to do this several times a day.
After about a week, laryngitis typically clears up. In instances where voice loss persists, even after using home remedies, you should reach out to a trained specialist.
Schedule your same-day appointment with Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today! Our team of board-certified allergy specialists will discuss your options and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Contact us at (404) 994-3574 or visit us online to book your appointment.