Hoarseness (Laryngitis)

Hoarseness is usually caused due to inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis) or due to an infection such as cold, sounding voice scratchy or husky. There may be sore throat as well or feel as if there is lump in it, also suddenly lose voice as a result of overuse. When hoarseness develops gradually, it is usually because of prolonged overuse of the voice, smoking, or reflux of stomach acid (heartburn) irritating the voice box. In rare cases, a hoarse voice is a symptom of cancer of the larynx. Laryngitis or hoarseness are usually temporary, lasting for no more than a week and home treatment is usually all that is needed.

Hoarseness Symptoms

• Scratchy or husky voice.
• Weak or whispering voice
• Sore throat
• Dry cough, dry throat
• Painful and tender larynx
• A general feeling of not being well
• Occasionally, loss of voice completely

Home Remedies for Hoarseness

• Black pepper: Take 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder with 1 teaspoon of clarified Butter.
• Turmeric & Milk: Add a pinch of turmeric powder to a cup of hot milk and drink before going to bed.
• Honey: Add honey to juice of basil leaves and take this mixture, it will help to soothe throat

Do’s for Hoarseness

• Rest your voice as much as possible.
• Eat soft foods that can be swallowed easily.
• Try steam inhalation to soothe inflammation and loosen secretions.
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep throat lubricated.
• Try to breathe through nose. Breathing through mouth dries the lining of
  throat and introduce cold, unfiltered air into the lungs, which contributes
  to hoarseness.
• Use a humidifier in home, or place bowls of water beside a radiator, to
  keep the air moist.

Don’ts for Hoarseness

• Don’t talk or whisper. Whispering can strain vocal cords even more than
  normal speech.
• Don’t drink caffeinated drinks or alcohol.
• Stop smoking and avoid dry or smoky environments, which can dry the
  throat and aggravate hoarseness.
• If you smoke, stop it.
• Avoid fermented foods and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt.
• Avoid undiluted citrus juices as they are acidic and may irritate throat.
• Don’t gargle or use mouthwash as the alcohol in some gargles may cause
  more irritation.
• Don’t cough or clear throat forcibly.

See Doctor

• Having difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
• Having laryngitis or hoarseness more than 2 weeks.

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