How Can I Manage Laryngitis?

If you are a smoker, have you stopped smoking?

Do you avoid smoky, dry or dusty environments?

Do you drink a lot of fluids, especially water, and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages?

Are you taking painkillers (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)?

Do you avoid speaking when possible, or if you really need to speak, do you speak softly?

Do you know that you should avoid whispering?

Do you gargle with warm, salty water or an over-the-counter solution?

Do you suck on lozenges?

Do you use a humidifier?

Do you use menthol inhalation or do you simply inhale steam from a bowl of hot water?

Do you know that you should avoid decongestants?

If any underlying medical condition has caused your laryngitis, are you taking the therapy prescribed by your doctor?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage laryngitis. You should try to rest your voice as much as you can. You should avoid speaking when possible, but if you have to speak, try not to speak loudly and for a long time. Also, avoid whispering, because you put a lot more strain on your voice when you whisper than when you speak normally. Cigarettes, alcohol and caffeinated beverages will further dry and irritate your throat, so do not use them when you have laryngitis. Be sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated, even if swallowing is painful.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage laryngitis. To relieve a sore throat, you can suck on lozenges, or gargle with warm, salty water or some over-the-counter solution. You can use menthol inhalation, or simply try to inhale the steam over a bowl of hot water or while taking a hot shower. Avoid using decongestants as these medications can further dry out your throat. You can use a humidifier to maintain humidity in the air in your home. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If your laryngitis is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids.