Treatment FAQ

what the best treatment for laryngitis

by Mr. Dee Kemmer Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Some self-care methods and home treatments may relieve the symptoms of laryngitis and reduce strain on your voice:
  • Breathe moist air. ...
  • Rest your voice as much as possible. ...
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine).
  • Moisten your throat. ...
  • Avoid decongestants. ...
  • Avoid whispering.

Medication

Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Treating Laryngitis with Medications Download Article

  1. Take over-the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol. These medicines will help quickly relieve throat pain and control fever. ...
  2. Avoid decongestants. Decongestants dry out your throat and might make your laryngitis worse. ...
  3. Take antibiotics your doctor prescribes. ...
  4. Talk with your doctor about corticosteroid medication. ...

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Self-care

These are:

  • Breathe moist air. ...
  • Give rest to your voice as much as possible.
  • Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine).
  • Avoid whispering as it strains your voice.
  • Avoid decongestants as they can dry out the throat.
  • Moisten your throat by having lozenges, gargling with salt water or chewing a piece of gum.

Nutrition

Top 5 Essential Oils for Laryngitis

  1. Rosemary. Inhaling the vapors of rosemary essential oil is incredibly curative for bacterial laryngitis ( 1 ), viral laryngitis, and sore throat.
  2. Thyme Oil. Thyme essential oil is considered the best oil for treating throat infections, including laryngitis.
  3. Eucalyptus Oil. ...
  4. Ginger Oil. ...
  5. Peppermint Oil. ...

How do you get rid of laryngitis quickly?

Part 4 Part 4 of 4: Diagnosis and Treatment Download Article

  1. Make an appointment with a physician. If your laryngitis symptoms persist, or if you experience any particularly worrying symptoms such as having difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should call ...
  2. Provide a full medical history. The first step in a diagnosis will be to take your full medical history.
  3. Say "aaaaaah. ...
  4. Submit to more invasive tests. ...

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How to treat laryngitis naturally at home?

What essential oils are good for laryngitis?

What to do if you have laryngitis?

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What is the fastest way to cure laryngitis?

10 home remedies to recover your voiceRest your voice. Resting your voice is the single most important factor in healing laryngitis. ... Don't whisper. ... Talk with a doctor about medication. ... Drink warm liquids. ... Gargle salt water. ... Suck on a lozenge. ... Take a hot shower. ... Get a humidifier.More items...

What is the best medicine for laryngitis?

There is no “best” medication for laryngitis. In most cases, the best treatment for laryngitis is vocal rest, steam inhalation, and proper hydration. Medications are used to treat a possible underlying cause or to provide symptom relief.

How long does it take laryngitis to heal?

Laryngitis is when your voice box or vocal cords in the throat become irritated or swollen. It usually goes away by itself within 1 to 2 weeks.

How do you treat laryngitis at home?

You can treat your symptoms at home, with all-natural remedies and teas.Rest your voice. When you have laryngitis, your vocal cords are swollen and irritated. ... Gargle warm salt water. ... Add moisture with a humidifier. ... Suck on lozenges. ... Apple cider vinegar. ... Tea with honey. ... Slippery elm tea with lemon. ... Ginger root.More items...

Do I need antibiotics for laryngitis?

Antibiotics. If you have a bacterial infection, you may be given antibiotics. But laryngitis is very rarely caused by bacteria. And antibiotics will not help with viral laryngitis.

Does honey help laryngitis?

Home remedies like salt water gargles and tea with honey are mostly harmless, although there's no evidence they work for fixing laryngitis. If you have a sore throat, they might temporarily alleviate some of this pain. But they definitely won't reduce the roughness, hoarseness or “breathiness” of your voice.

What is the main cause of laryngitis?

The most common cause of laryngitis is a virus. Other types of infection (rare) are bacterial or fungal. Some inhaled medications can be a risk factor for laryngitis. Poor vocal hygiene can lead to laryngitis or inflammation of the vocal folds.

What kind of virus causes laryngitis?

The infectious form is more common and usually follows an upper respiratory tract infection. Viral agents such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, adenovirus, and influenza are all potential etiologic agents (listed in roughly descending order of frequency).

How long are you contagious with laryngitis?

If you don't seek treatment, you'll remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks after contracting the infection.

Does Soda help laryngitis?

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; stay away from soda, very hot beverages, and milk, all of which can worsen symptoms.

How does apple cider vinegar help laryngitis?

Apple cider vinegar ACV special characteristic is its antimicrobial properties, which help fight infections. It can also help ward off laryngitis, one of the most common reasons people get a hoarse voice. Mix some ACV in your water and gargle that a few times a day.

What to do after a laryngitis exam?

After a careful exam your doctor will decide on a course of treatment. Most of the time, your doctor will recommend home care and may occasionally prescribe a steroid medication. If the doctor is concerned about a bacterial infection causing the laryngitis, then they will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

How long does laryngitis last?

If symptoms of laryngitis last for only a few days or occur immediately after you’ve been using your voice more than normal, then the main treatment is to rest your voice as much as possible.

What is it called when you have to breathe through your throat?

These rare and severe events may make it necessary to place a breathing tube into your throat. The procedure is called intubation. You will then be placed on a machine called a ventilator to breathe for you. In this situation, you will receive intravenous antibiotics and probably steroids.

What is the best treatment for laryngitis?

Consider corticosteroids. If you have severe laryngitis that's not caused by bacteria and not helped by home remedies, then ask your doctor about the pros and cons of a short course of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone or dexamethasone. Steroid medications are powerful and fast-acting anti-inflammatories that can reduce the swelling, pain and other symptoms in your throat. However, due to significant downsides, they are usually not recommended except as emergency treatments for people who must use their voices professionally.

How to get rid of laryngitis?

If you suspect your laryngitis is caused by an infection, then gargle with antiseptic solutions that are able to kill a variety of microorganisms. A 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water is effective against bacteria and some other microbes. Gargle for at least a minute each hour until the irritation/inflammation in your throat fades away and your voice returns to full strength.

How to treat a sore throat from laryngitis?

1. Talk to your doctor about antibiotics. If you are unable to relieve your laryngitis with the above mentioned home remedies, then make an appointment with your family doctor. A severe sore throat, swollen mucus membranes that are streaked with white pus, fever and malaise are all signs of an infection.

Why does my voice box hurt?

This article has been viewed 330,372 times. Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box). The most common causes are a viral infection or vocal strain, but it can also appear after a bacterial infection or other source of irritation. [1]

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

In addition to hoarseness or voice loss, other symptoms of laryngitis include: a dry throat, sore throat, a tickling sensation in the throat that triggers a dry cough, and mucous build-up in the throat. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source. ...

How long does it take for laryngitis to heal?

Most cases of laryngitis resolve on their own within a week and appropriate home care can speed up the healing process.

What kind of doctor would you see for laryngitis?

If you've had laryngitis for more than a few weeks and are a smoker, your doctor will likely refer you to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor), who may use a laryngoscopy — a small tube with a tiny camera to get a better look at the back of your throat .

What causes laryngitis?

In some cases, a bacterial or fungal infection causes laryngitis.

How to test for laryngitis?

To test it on your laryngitis symptoms, mix 1 teaspoon of the powdered extract in a cup of warm water and sip slowly.

What is the inflammation of the voice box at the back of the throat?

Laryngitis is the inflammation of your voice box at the back of your throat. It can be unpleasant, but if you look after your throat properly, you should be able to get rid of it quickly. Avoid talking until you’re better to reduce the strain on your larynx.

What is the name of the inflammation of the voice box?

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the voice box, or larynx, which is an organ that helps join the trachea (windpipe) to the back of the throat. This condition typically occurs due to a viral infection.

How long does it take for laryngitis to go away?

If your laryngitis persists after two weeks, seek medical attention so that your doctor can provide treatment and make sure your symptoms are not caused by a different condition.

How long does laryngitis last?

Pay attention to how long your laryngitis lasts. If you are still experiencing laryngitis symptoms after two weeks, it's best to seek medical attention. [11]

How to get rid of throat soreness?

For a speedy recovery from laryngitis, it's important to remain hydrated and keep your throat moist to relieve irritation. Drink lots of liquids and try sucking on lozenges or chewing gum. When the throat is particularly sore, warm fluids can be soothing. Try drinking lukewarm water, soup, or warm tea with honey.

What is the best treatment for reflux laryngitis?

Reflux laryngitis can be treated with diet chanes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.

How to treat reflux laryngitis?

Reflux laryngitis can be treated with diet chanes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.

What should you know about laryngitis home remedies and treatments? What is the medical definition of laryngitis?

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx. Usually, inflammation of the larynx is caused by viral infections. Viral infections caused from infections may have symptoms like a sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, and with a fever. If the voice changes last longer after the fever and other symptoms go away the viral infection is cured. You can get laryngitis because of irritation to the vocal cords. Sports fans, singers, cheerleaders, and small children may be hoarse or have a raspy voice after bouts of shouting or screaming. Environmental causes of irritation of the airway that can result in inflammation of the larynx include exposure to tobacco smoke or other chemicals.

What are acute and chronic laryngitis? How long do they last?

Acute laryngitis lasts a few days up to a couple of weeks. If the symptoms of last more than 3 weeks it is called chronic laryngitis. If you or your child's laryngitis symptoms last more than 3 weeks call your doctor or your child's Pediatrician for an appointment.

What is the best home remedy to treat laryngitis in children and adults?

A great way to humidify the air is to take a steam bath in hot water, and inhale it deeply. You can rub eucalyptus essential oil to your hands while you inhale the steam if it feels good.

What treatments work fast for laryngitis in children and adults?

Bacterial and fungal infections may need to be treated with antibiotics to cure the infection.

What over-the-counter (OTC) medications treat and cure laryngitis?

Over-the-counter medications that treat the anti-inflammatory properties include acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like ibuprofen ( Advil, Aleve ). Note: Do not give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

What is the best way to get rid of laryngitis?

The culture will likely grow out the bacteria or virus that is causing the laryngitis. Use an endoscope, a narrow tube, equipped with a camera. This is called a laryngoscopy.

What Is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx). This organ sits in your upper neck just past the back of your throat. Swelling of the vocal cords muffles sound, and you are hoarse. When you try to talk, all that comes out is a whisper or squeak.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

Symptoms in children and adults are usually similar. Laryngitis symptoms include: A sore throat or raw throat. A tickling feeling in your throat.

How long does it take for laryngitis to go away?

Laryngitis usually isn’t a serious problem. With proper treatment, acute (short-lived) laryngitis should go away in no more than 3 weeks. But sometimes, laryngitis lasts longer and becomes chronic. But there are ways to help yourself feel better.

Why do decongestants dry out your throat?

Stay away from decongestants. They dry you out when your throat wants moisture.

What to do if you have a lump in your throat?

If you have a suspicious lump or nodule in your throat or voice box area, your doctor may recommend taking a sample of tissue for examination ( biopsy ). The doctor may also do a skin allergy test or an X-ray to rule out other issues. Laryngitis Treatments. The best treatment is to rest your voice.

How old is too old to have laryngitis?

Laryngitis Complications. Laryngitis can be very serious in children. Watch for fever and call a doctor if your child is: Younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100 F or higher, or is older than 3 months and has a fever of 102 F or higher.

How to stop laryngitis?

Avoiding smoking and alcohol. Whether laryngitis is acute or chronic, avoiding smoking cigarette s and drinking alcohol can help relieve inflammation. This is especially important when prolonged cigarette or alcohol use is the trigger for laryngitis. People can speak to a doctor about help quitting if necessary.

How to get rid of laryngitis pain?

Salt water can help kill harmful bacteria and may reduce pain. Try adding half a teaspoon of salt to an 8 ounce glass of warm water and stir to let the salt dissolve. Gargle the salty water in the back of the throat, then spit it out. Be careful to not swallow the water.

What is the name of the inflammation of the larynx?

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, which sits in the front of the throat. People can speed up the healing process using some home remedies. When the voice box is inflamed, it can cause symptoms such as:

What is the best pain reliever for a sore throat?

Using OTC pain relievers can relieve swelling and a sore throat, making a person more comfortable throughout the day. In addition to using medications specifically for a sore throat, people can also use generic pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

What is the best food for sore throats?

Ginger root is another food that people have used for generations to treat illnesses, particularly sore throats and upper respiratory infections.

How to help a dry throat?

Adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier or a personal vaporizer can help soothe a dry and inflamed throat.

What is the name of the condition where the voice box becomes inflamed?

Laryngitis occurs when the larynx, or voice box, becomes inflamed or irritated. In most cases, the condition is short lived and easily manageable using home remedies.

How to get rid of laryngitis?

Gargling with diluted vinegar is another option for you to try. Mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider or white vinegar into a glass of water, then gargle and spit. Using vinegar is not recommended if your laryngitis is caused by acid reflux. It could make your condition worse.

How to treat laryngitis without symptoms?

You can treat your symptoms at home, with all-natural remedies and teas. 1. Rest your voice. When you have laryngitis, your vocal cords are swollen and irritated. They need time to heal.

Why does my voice sound hoarse?

Laryngitis happens when your vocal cords become inflamed from overuse, irritation, or infection. This inflammation causes distortion in your voice.

How to get rid of a swollen vocal cord?

Use your voice as infrequently as you can, at a volume that feels natural to you. 2. Gargle warm salt water.

How to get rid of sore throat?

You can soothe a sore and irritated throat with warm salt water. Stir 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Take a sip into your mouth and gargle it around the back of your throat, then spit it out.

Why is vinegar used for fighting infections?

Vinegar has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. Scientific studies support the theory that vinegar has antimicrobial properties.

How long does it take for laryngitis to get better?

Acute laryngitis typically gets better on its own in about a week. The inflammation leaves the area raw and it is easier to get an infection. Some cases of laryngitis are caused by a viral infection (like a cold) or overuse of the voice, which means that antibiotics won’t help.

How to get rid of laryngitis?

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx. Get rid of laryngitis with the help of steroids, antibiotics, a humidifier and home care , depending on the underlying cause.

What is the best treatment for reflux laryngitis?

Reflux laryngitis can be treated with diet chanes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.

Who can get laryngitis?

Anyone can get laryngitis, and it is common. You are more likely to experience the symptoms of laryngitis if you have another medical condition affecting your sinuses, throat, lungs, or airways.

What causes reflux laryngitis?

Reflux laryngitis is caused by acid refluxing back up through the esophagus and voice box. Reflux laryngitis causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat; and can lead to symptoms, signs, and other problems like esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and growths on the vocal cords. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

How long does bronchitis last?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is short in duration (10-20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms for acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Acute bronchitis in children also my include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis are OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.

How long does it take for laryngitis to heal?

In most cases, laryngitis will resolve itself within seven to ten days. If your condition persists, your doctor will refer you to a specialist who can more closely examine your vocal cords for damage.

What is the cause of vocal cord inflammation?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (vocal cords). The most common cause of acute laryngitis is infection, which inflames the vocal cords. Symptoms may vary from degree of laryngitis and age of the person (laryngitis in infants and children is more commonly caused by croup). Common symptoms include

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Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Mansi Shah
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Acute laryngitis usually resolves on its own with a few self-care measures. Treatment of chronic laryngitis involves treating the underlying cause.
Medication

Antibiotics: To reduce bacterial infection.

Penicillin . Erythromycin


Corticosteroids: To reduce vocal cord inflammation.

Prednisone . Prednisolone . Dexamethasone


Antacids: Reduce acidity of stomach acid, if the cause is acid reflux.

Aluminum hydroxide . Magnesium hydroxide . Simethicone


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduce pain, inflammation and fever.

Aspirin . Diclofenac

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Gargle with warm water
  • Give rest to the voice
  • Increase the intake of fluids
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoid decongestants as these can dry out the throat
  • Avoid whispering as it puts more strain on voice than normal speech

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in vitamin C such as papaya and kiwi
  • Foods rich in protein such as lean beef, chicken, fish and pork
  • Dairy products such as low fat milk are also recommended

Foods to avoid:

  • Acidic food such as lemons and oranges
  • Spicy foods such as pickles, hot sauces and hot peppers
  • Food which contains high amount of sugar such as cakes and chocolates
  • Alcohol and caffeinated food

Specialist to consult

Otolaryngologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

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