Laryngitis
Definition:
Laryngitis is an inflammation of your voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection.
Signs & Symptoms:
In most cases laryngitis symptoms last less than a couple of weeks and are caused by something minor, such as a virus. Less often, laryngitis symptoms are caused by something more serious or long lasting. Laryngitis signs and symptoms can include:
Hoarseness
Weak voice or voice loss
Tickling sensation and rawness of your throat
Sore throat
Dry throat
Dry cough
Cause:
Acute laryngitis
Most cases of laryngitis are temporary and improve after the underlying cause gets better. Causes of acute laryngitis include:
Viral infections similar to those that cause a cold
Vocal strain, caused by yelling or overusing your voice
Bacterial infections, such as diphtheria, although this is rare, in large part due to increasing rates of vaccination
Chronic laryngitis
Laryngitis that lasts longer than three weeks is known as chronic laryngitis. This type of laryngitis is generally caused by exposure to irritants over time. Chronic laryngitis can cause vocal cord strain and injuries or growths on the vocal cords (polyps or nodules). These injuries can be caused by:
Inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens or smoke
Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Chronic sinusitis
Excessive alcohol use
Habitual overuse of your voice (such as with singers or cheerleaders)
Smoking
Less common causes of chronic laryngitis include:
Bacterial or fungal infections
Infections with certain parasites
Other causes of chronic hoarseness include:
Cancer
Vocal cord paralysis, which can result from injury, stroke, a lung tumor or other health conditions
Bowing of the vocal cords in old age
How To Cure:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help fight infections and thus can be used to treat laryngitis.
Mix two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey in half a cup of water. To increase the effectiveness of this remedy, you can add a little cayenne pepper too. Drink it twice a day.
Prepare a solution by mixing one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the solution several times a day until you get relief.
- Onion Syrup
Onion syrup acts as a natural expectorant and is an effective natural cure for larynx inflammation.
Cut up three to four medium-sized onions. Simmer the pieces in four cups of water until the solution thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
Mix five tablespoons of the onion syrup in a glass of warm water. Add one tablespoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice.
Sip the mixture slowly.
- Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water helps kill bacteria and promotes healing of your inflamed vocal cords and sore throat.
Just add one-half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and gargle with it. Do this several times a day.
- Lemon Juice
The acidic nature of lemon juice can kill bacteria and viruses, and relieve various symptoms of laryngitis. Plus, it helps loosen mucus.
Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a glass of warm water.
Add one-half teaspoon of sea salt (if you do not have sea salt then just use table salt)
Gargle with this solution several times a day.
