Alternative Treatments For Laryngitis

When the larynx (vocal cords) is inflamed, laryngitis occurs. A bacterial or viral infection or extremely strained vocal cords causes this condition.

A weak or hoarse voice is the most common laryngitis symptom. At times, laryngitis patients are unable to talk, and a dry cough and sore throat accompany this condition.

The best treatment is to rest your voice as much as possible if you have had the symptoms for a few days or if they develop after you have over-used your voice more than you normally would. Taking plenty of fluids is vital in over-hydrating your body.

The majority of the people with acute laryngitis become healed with time, and no serious complications are reported. You can, however, ease the pain and the inflammation and get back your voice by using natural remedies which are easy and simple.

Certain risk factors or preexisting conditions can also exacerbate a laryngitis infection. Preexisting respiratory infections such as bronchitis or sinusitis can exacerbate the on-set of laryngitis. If you have any existing conditions and a positive diagnosis of laryngitis is found, it is important to discuss these complications with your doctor, as it may effect adequate treatment measures.

Causes of laryngitis

There are two major types of laryngitis, each with their own causes and complications. They are known as acute and chronic laryngitis. An acute form of the condition indicates it is a short-term infection, whereas chronic laryngitis is known to last for three weeks or more, with no sign of symptoms lessening. 

Acute Laryngitis

The major causes of an acute laryngitis infection can be attributed to different viral and bacterial infestations. Viral infections are quite common, and they exude symptoms similar to that of a common cold. Bacterial forms of the condition are less common than there viral counterparts, however they do occur in some instances. Bacterial infections in the treatment of laryngitis are often attributed to increased vaccination rates.

Chronic Laryngitis

Any form of any condition that exists for a prolonged period of time, is often deemed chronic, or non-stop.  Symptoms persist far longer than what is observed in the acute form of laryngitis, and has its own causes, which are often related to preexisting conditions of the patient. There are however, environmental factors that can play a role in the contraction of chronic laryngitis. Working in industrial areas where the inhalation of smoke or chemicals is almost unavoidable, are known to cause laryngitis. Even allergens can exacerbate symptoms of chronic laryngitis, as well as smoking and excessive drinking.

There also a few less common causes of chronic laryngitis that are worth mentioning. Even though the acute form of laryngitis can be caused by bacterial infections, so too can the chronic version. Fungal infections and specific parasites have also been cited in causing chronic laryngitis. 

How to treat laryngitis at home

Now, on to treatment options. These alternatives to medicine are meant to quell symptoms of laryngitis, not nesessarily cure the disease.  It is important for you to consult your doctor about alternative measures to ensure they do not interfere with any medicinal regimens that you have been prescribed.

Gargling with salt water

You can cure your sore throat and restore your voice faster simply by gargling with salt water. Put a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and mix well then gargle. The germs in your throat are eliminated and your sore throat healed effectively since salt is a healing and an antibacterial agent.

Use of apple cider vinegar

This can be used in the treatment of laryngitis since it contains antimicrobial characteristics that assist in battling infections.

In a half glass of water, add one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar that is raw and unfiltered then mix. A small cayenne pepper can also be added to raise its efficiency. You should take this remedy two times a day.

You can also mix warm water and apple cider vinegar and gargle with the solution for a number of times throughout the day.

Syrup made of onions

This is an excellent treatment for laryngitis since onion syrup is a natural medicine, Chop 3-4 onions of medium size and simmer them in 4 cups of water up to when it turns into a consistency that looks like syrup.

In a cup of warm water, add five tablespoons of the already made onion syrup and mix. Put in a little lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey and slowly sip the mixture.

Use of fresh ginger

This is very effective since it soothes the larynx’ mucous membranes which have been inflamed.

Add fresh ginger that has been sliced thinly to a pan with water and then boil for 10 minutes while covering it. Sieve the liquid and let it cool. It is optional to add honey and lemon juice.  Drink this mixture for a number of times throughout the day.

Eating or sucking a few candied gingers can also be effective in treating laryngitis.

Mouthwash use

Since it has antibacterial characteristics, mouthwash can be used for gargling or removing bacteria and viruses from your mouth and throat to bring instant relieve.

Use of garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial properties that eliminate viruses and bacteria. It can also function as a natural expectorant

• Slowly chew a raw garlic clove and swallow it
• You can also mix several garlic cloves that have been chopped with the same amount of apple cider vinegar that is raw and unfiltered and distilled water. Shake the mixture well and allow it to sit for approximately four hours. At last, add raw honey to the mixture and put it in the refrigerator. After every 6-8 hours, take 1-3 tablespoon of this mixture.

Managing symptoms and avoiding future contraction

Apart from the tangible treatment options that you can practice at home, there are also more indirect methods of managing the symptoms of laryngitis. These tips will help aid you through the recovery period, and will prevent further irritation of symptoms.

Contrary to common belief, whispering often exacerbates symptoms of laryngitis. You should avoid whispering, talking, or yelling while managing laryngitis. The less strain on the vocal cords means a quicker recovery period. Another somewhat involuntary mechanism, is the desire to clear your throat, especially if are suffering from laryngitis. While this will remove excess mucous from the throat, its negative repercussions outweigh its benefits. Singers are also told to avoid clearing their throat in between songs or sessions. Clearing the throat causes vibrations that can increase swelling, furthering throat irritation and leaving the throat feeling worse than before.

Humidifiers are used commonly for children, and its benefits are apparent in quelling laryngitis symptoms. The moist air will serve to better lubricate your throat and ease the associated pain. Whether its at home or the office, a humidifier can make a big difference. 

The trick is to avoid anything that might dry out your throat, in an effort to keep your larynx moist. Whether it is sucking on lozenges or gargling salt water, maintaining throat moisture is very important. If you are a singer or are required to use your voice on a daily basis, try and take steps to avoid further irritation of the throat and larynx.