Drinking warm or cool liquids can help soothe the vocal cords and hydrate a dry throat. People should avoid fluids that irritate the throat, however, including sodas and very hot beverages. Milk and dairy products can also increase mucus production and worsen symptoms.
Staying hydrated is important when you're suffering from a sore throat or laryngitis. Both warm and cool liquids will help soothe vocal cords and moisten a dry throat; stay away from soda, very hot beverages, and milk, all of which can worsen symptoms.
avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections, such as a cold or flu – particularly if you're prone to laryngitis. avoiding irritants, such as smoke or dust – particularly if you have a cold or other respiratory tract infection. not smoking.
A glass of cold milk or a few bites of frozen yogurt may, in fact, soothe a sore throat and provide some nutrients and calories at a time when you don't feel like eating. You might also try a nutrient-packed fruit and yogurt smoothie, which provides zinc, calcium, probiotics, vitamins, antioxidants and fiber.
Acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week or so. Self-care measures, such as voice rest, drinking fluids and humidifying your air, also can help improve symptoms. Chronic laryngitis treatments are aimed at treating the underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking or excessive use of alcohol.
There is no evidence that drinking milk will make a cold or sore throat worse.
Milk, ice cream, cheese: Dairy gets a bad rap. Common wisdom says to avoid it when you're stuffy or runny because you'll make more mucus. But there's little evidence to support this. So if you crave ice cream to soothe that sore throat, go ahead and indulge.
Exposure to irritating substances, such as cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol intake, stomach acid or workplace chemicals. Overusing your voice, by speaking too much, speaking too loudly, shouting or singing.
Avoid foods and beverages that increase stomach acid. These include alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine products, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus juices, and peppermint.
Laryngitis can also be caused, or made worse, by irritants to the vocal cords, such as alcohol, smoking, allergies, direct trauma, vocal overuse / misuse or reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus and throat (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - GORD).
Eating foods that prevent or calm acid reflux—stuff like ginger tea, bananas, and leafy greens—can help you avoid larynx inflammation caused by out-of-control stomach acids.
Moisturizing your throat
Throat lozenges, saltwater gargles, and honey added to decaffeinated tea help moisturize the mucous membranes in your throat and relieve the irritating dryness associated with laryngitis.
Rest is best – Resting your vocal cords completely is the best type of treatment. This means no talking at all, including whispering, clearing your throat, and coughing.
During cough and cold, the intensity and severity of mucus increases and it is suggested to avoid dairy products as they can further increase mucus production.
You can consume milk, curd, or any other dairy products, even if you have a cold. But it is advisable to have them at room temperature. In fact, warm milk with turmeric can help open up your stuffed throat. But you need to avoid ice cream and any other cold dairy products as they can irritate your throat and stomach.
Dairy can be acidic, so it may irritate your sore throat. Sometimes, dairy can thicken mucus, so it's best to avoid cheese and other forms of dairy if your sore throat is due to an upper respiratory infection. Aim for softer, non-acidic foods while your throat is hurting.
Some people believe that when they drink milk their throat feels coated, and mucus is thicker and harder to swallow. Research has shown that these feelings are not due to increased production of mucus.
For most people, dairy does not cause inflammation, and there is no need to avoid it. Many dairy-containing foods may be eaten as part of a healthy diet. In addition, there are many non-dairy, plant-based milk alternatives on the market for those seeking out other options.
Symptoms and Signs
At times, laryngitis can be an indication of serious laryngeal cancer. The following symptoms definitely warrant a visit to a head, neck, and throat specialist: A sore throat accompanied by a fever. Coughing up yellow or green phlegm (possibly bacterial sinusitis or bronchitis)
The best cure for laryngitis is voice rest. As hard as if may sound, shutting your mouth for at least three days will do wonders for your vocal cords. You should also avoid hard coughing, crying and clearing your throat.
Voice rest can be helpful for acute cases of laryngitis, when your vocal cords are swollen and need a few days to recover. Discomfort and swelling should resolve within 24-48 hours of starting voice rest. Long-term voice rest is not recommended, except for patients recovering from vocal cord surgery.