Self Care

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Hoarseness / Laryngitis

 

The inflammation of the vocal cords is known as Laryngitis. It keeps the vocal cords from vibrating normally, so the sounds they produce are far from normal. The voice may sound hoarse or husky or disappear altogether.

Hoarseness or laryngitis is usually caused either by overuse of the vocal cords or a viral infection. Cheering your team on at a sporting event, shouting, singing, and speaking for long periods can all cause temporary hoarseness or loss of voice.

A cold, sore throat, or other upper respiratory infection can also rob you of your voice if the infection spreads to the voice box.

Hoarseness that is caused by overuse or by a cold or other infection will usually go away on its own within 2 weeks. To prevent attacks of hoarseness, avoid straining your voice and stop talking as soon as you begin to feel hoarse. Whispering can actually be more irritation in to your vocal cords than speaking softly.

Smoking, alcohol, and air pollution can dry the vocal cords and cause hoarseness. Constant or repeated hoarseness not linked to overuse or an infection may be something more serious.

Self Care Steps :

Give it a rest. Avoid talking and whispering as much as possible. Whispering strains vocal cords as much or more than talking. Use a pencil and paper and lots of hand gestures to communicate.

Drink plenty of fluids. Water is best to keep your vocal cords well hydrated.

Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Both can dry Out and irritate vocal cords.

If you have to go out in extremely cold weather, wear a scarf or mask over your mouth.

Drink warm liquids to relieve discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms :

Repeated bouts of hoarseness not caused by overuse or infection associated with cold symptoms.

Hoarseness that lasts longer than 1 month, particularly if you are over 40 and smoke.

Hoarseness or loss of voice caused by overuse or infection associated with cold symptoms.