1. Rest is Best
Acute laryngitis is caused by a viral infection, even though, in some cases, bacteria can be the culprit. It can also be caused by engaging in excessive talking, yelling, screaming or singing. It is technically an inflammation of the mucosal membrane that surrounds the larynx.
Since acute laryngitis usually goes away on its own in a few days, resting your voice is the best treatment. Even though taking a vow of silence may be difficult or impossible, resting your voice also includes not straining when you talk, refraining from yelling, screaming or singing and trying not to talk too loudly. Whispering is no good either, as it causes the larynx to strain. Your best bet is to reserve your speech as much as you can and when you do speak, using a soft, almost sighing-like voice to communicate.
With the ease of text-messaging and emails, having acute laryngitis for a few days does not have to you force you to cash in on your vacation days to refrain from talking to your colleagues at work or those around you. Opt for using text messaging and emails as a way to communicate with others until symptoms start to improve. The more you can allow your vocal cords to rest, the quicker your recovery will be.
2. Keep Air Humid
The intensity of the laryngitis can also be lessened by keeping the surrounding air humid and moist. The use of a humidifier promotes moisture in the upper airways and helps to clear secretions in the nasal passages. Cool-mist humidifiers, or even placing your head above a steaming bowl of water and inhaling the vapors, will also help to assuage the pain.
Since children have a narrower larynx, they run the added risk of having breathing problems since the inflammation further narrows their larynx. Place the humidifier in the child's room and avoid the use of air conditioners. Both will help to improve the symptoms and reduce inflammation.
3. Lubricate the Throat
Similar to when you have a sore throat, drinking teas and other non-alcoholic liquids, as well as sucking on throat lozenges, will also help to lessen the discomfort of any scratchiness and soreness you may be experiencing. Lozenges that contain glycerin or honey have been shown to be the most effective.
4. Avoid Antihistamines and Corticosteroids
Both of these medications have not shown to improve the acute laryngitis episode. In fact, some studies show that they may actually give the person a false sense that their voice has improved, so they continue to use their voice, thereby invoking further assault. These medications can also be very drying to the larynx, causing an increase in symptoms rather than an abatement of symptoms.
5. Treat When Necessary
If the acute laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will prevent the infection from spreading and heal it promptly. If you experience numerous bouts of acute laryngitis, speak with your doctor, as frequent episodes of acute laryngitis may lead to chronic laryngitis.
