What Is Laryngitis?
Inflammation of the vocal cords, called larynx, causes a throat disorder known as laryngitis. It is usually caused by excessive strain, infection, or irritation of the vocal box. When laryngitis lasts for a short period (2-3 weeks), it is referred to as acute laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis is when the inflammation lasts longer. Any kind of stress on the vocal cords may cause laryngitis. The leading causes of laryngitis are outlined below.
What Causes Laryngitis?
Viral infection like cold or flu Excessive talking or yelling Irritation due to smoke or allergens Acid reflux (GERD) Bacterial infections Drinking too much alcohol
The symptoms of laryngitis are discussed in the next section.
Signs And Symptoms
Dry cough Weak voice or loss of voice Dry or sore throat Irritation in the throat Trouble swallowing
Now that the causes and symptoms are clear, let us look at the home remedies that can you can use to get quick relief from laryngitis.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Laryngitis
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial properties (1). Thus, it may treat laryngitis caused due to infections. ACV is also touted to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the swelling of the voice box.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon honey A glass of water
Do this 2-3 times a day.
2. Ginger
Ginger exhibits potential antimicrobial activities (2). This may help in treating the infection in the throat.
A piece of ginger root Water
Do this 3-4 times a day.
3. Aspirin
Aspirin possesses analgesic properties (3), (4). This may give relief to pain from laryngitis.
1 aspirin tablet 8 oz. warm water
Do this 2-3 times a day.
4. Lemon And Honey
Honey possesses astringent property (5). It may be beneficial in soothing a sore throat. Lemon juice exhibits antimicrobial properties (6). This may help clear out the throat infection.
1 tablespoon honey 4-5 drops lemon juice
Do this 2 times a day.
5. Juices
a. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice contains an active enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme possesses anti-inflammatory properties (7). This may help in reducing the swelling and excess mucus. Pineapple juice Drink a cup of fresh pineapple juice (at room temperature). Do this once a day.
b. Aloe Vera Juice
Acid reflux or GERD is a common cause of laryngitis, especially the chronic type. Aloe vera juice may provide a safe and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of GERD (8).
1 oz. aloe vera juice 2 oz. water
Dilute the aloe vera juice and drink a cup of this. Do this multiple times a day.
6. Onion
Onion possesses expectorant properties (9). This may be utilized to treat laryngitis and obtain relief from a cough and mucus.
3-4 medium-sized onions 4 cups water A glass of warm water 1 tablespoon honey A few drops of lemon juice
Have this concoction 1-2 times a day.
7. Eucalyptus Essential Oils
Eucalyptus essential oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (10). This may help in relieving laryngitis symptoms.
4-5 drops eucalyptus oil A bowl of hot water A large towel
Do this 2 times a day.
8. Salt Water
Gargling with warm salt water may kill bacteria and viruses in the throat and mouth (11). This may help in treating laryngitis.
1/2 teaspoon salt A glass of warm water
Do this 3-4 times in the day. Note: Too much salt may irritate the throat further. Hence, it is important to use only the recommended amount of salt.
9. Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that possesses antimicrobial properties (12). This may help in treating laryngitis. 1 garlic clove Do this a few times a day.
10. Licorice Root
Licorice root exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties (13). These properties may help in treating laryngitis.
1 teaspoon dried licorice root 1-1 1/2 cups water
Do this 2-3 times a day. Note: Do not follow this remedy if you have blood pressure issues or any other major diseases.
11. Mullein Herb
Mullein herb has anti-inflammatory properties (14). This may be helpful in treating sore throat and reducing inflammation.
1-2 teaspoons dried mullein flowers 1 cup boiling water
Do this 2-3 times a day.
12. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance. This coats the throat internally and may relieve inflamed or irritated tissues (15).
2 tablespoons slippery elm 1 cup water
Repeat 2-3 times a day. Note: This remedy is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Apart from following the natural remedies, a few preventive tips may prevent the recurrence of laryngitis. Some of the tips are listed below.
Laryngitis Prevention Tips
Drink a lot of water every day. This may keep the throat hydrated and help in easy clearance of the mucus. Avoid spicy and fried foods as much as possible. These may easily irritate the tissues in the throat and also cause acid reflux. Do not smoke. Stay away from irritants, like pollen, wood dust, chemical fumes (like paint fumes), etc. Decrease your alcohol and caffeine intake as these may cause fluid loss from the body and dehydrate it. Follow a healthy diet that consists of plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains that contain vitamins A, C, and E. Wash hands before eating. During dry weather conditions, use a humidifier to keep the environment inside the home moist enough.
Is laryngitis contagious? If the laryngitis is caused due to an infection, it may be contagious. Maintain personal hygiene to avoid contracting it from an infected person. How long does laryngitis last? The acute form of laryngitis may last up to two weeks. If it lasts longer, you may have chronic laryngitis and might need prescribed medications to treat the causal factors. Will laryngitis go away on its own? Yes, laryngitis may go away on its own after a week or two. Does ibuprofen help laryngitis? Though ibuprofen may not treat laryngitis completely, it may relieve throat pain to some extent. Do I need antibiotics for laryngitis? Antibiotics may not help treat viral infections like laryngitis. However, they may help reduce vocal chord inflammation if you have a bacterial infection. Is it OK to talk with laryngitis? Yes, it is okay to speak softly. However, avoid whispering, as it may irritate the larynx. Does laryngitis produce mucus? Yes. Excess mucus is a symptom of laryngitis.
