How Can I Prevent Laryngitis?

Do you wash your hands often and avoid contact with people who have upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold?

If you are a smoker, are you trying to quit smoking or have you reduced the number of cigarettes you smoke per day?

Do you stay away from secondhand smoke?

Do you drink enough water during the day (about 8 glasses of water a day)?

Have you limited your alcohol and caffeine intake?

Do you avoid persistent and frequent clearing of your throat?

Do you avoid straining your voice, such as speaking or singing for long periods or shouting and singing loudly?

Do you avoid eating spicy food?

Does your diet contain a variety of healthy food (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent laryngitis. It is very important to stay hydrated. A sufficient amount of fluid in your body will, among other things, make the mucus in your throat thin, which will prevent it from sticking to your throat. You should also limit the use of caffeine and alcohol as they contribute to dehydration. In addition to drying your throat, cigarette smoke can irritate your vocal cords, so make sure you avoid secondhand smoke. If you are a smoker, try to quit smoking or at least reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke per day.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent laryngitis. You should avoid straining your voice (prolonged speaking, loud singing, or shouting) as this leads to abnormal vibrations of your vocal cords, which can cause them to become inflamed. You should also try to clear your throat less often, because persistent and frequent clearing of the throat can further contribute to irritation. Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, are often associated with laryngitis, so you should avoid contact with people with upper respiratory tract infections. Sometimes eating spicy foods can provoke heartburn and contribute to laryngitis.