Moisture is important to heal inflamed vocal cords. It can also loosen phlegm. Try adding a few drops of vapour rub to your humidifier to soothe discomfort in your throat. Vapour rubs generally contain menthol, which can have a cooling effect on your throat.
Vicks Vaporub:
The vapors in one powerful drop can also soothe the pain associated with laryngitis. It is important to remember that this remedy offers you only temporary relief since the menthol in the product may make your vocal cords dry.
Is Laryngitis Contagious? The viruses that laryngitis comes from aren't that contagious. The time laryngitis is most contagious is during the time frame when you have a fever. Bacterial and fungal infection-causing laryngitis is potentially contagious, but these occur less frequently.
Strenuous use of your voice during an episode of acute laryngitis can damage your vocal cords. Make an appointment with a doctor if your laryngitis symptoms last more than two weeks.
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).
Rest your voice. You do not have to stop speaking, but use your voice as little as possible. Speak softly but do not whisper; whispering can bother your larynx more than speaking softly. Avoid talking on the telephone or trying to speak loudly.
[1] Acute Laryngitis is often a mild and self-limiting condition that typically lasts for a period of 3 to 7 days. If this condition lasts for over 3 weeks, then it is termed as chronic laryngitis.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). In most cases, it gets better without treatment in about a week. Symptoms of laryngitis can begin suddenly and usually get worse over a period of two to three days.
Viral Laryngitis
1 If an upper respiratory infection causes your laryngitis, it is contagious. Although the risk of spreading an upper respiratory infection is highest in the first three days after you have symptoms, there is some risk of spreading it for up to three weeks after symptoms begin.
Laryngitis due to infection is treated with antibiotics. Laryngitis due to trauma is treated with voice rest and steroids. Laryngitis due to viral upper respiratory illness is treated symptommatically and may include mucinex, hydration, voice rest, steroids, etc.
If you lost your voice because of a viral illness, supportive care can usually help you get better. Dr. Tully recommends the following steps to help you through the healing process: Rest is best – Resting your vocal cords completely is the best type of treatment.
Most cases of acute laryngitis can be treated with home therapy including: Pain reliever/anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen. Warm, hydrating fluids. Vocal rest — use your voice as little as possible.
Notably, the omicron variant is prone to cause severe laryngitis, resulting in fatal upper airway stenosis.
Laryngitis often occurs along with a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Hoarseness tends to appear later in the illness, after the sore throat, sneezing, coughing and other symptoms. Bacterial infections of the breathing tubes (bronchitis) or lung (pneumonia) also can infect the larynx and cause laryngitis.
Avoid foods and beverages that increase stomach acid. These include alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine products, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus juices, and peppermint.
Should You Stay Home With Laryngitis? It depends. Not all illnesses that inflame the voice box, causing you to be hoarse or “lose your voice,” are contagious. If you only have laryngitis, you can likely be out and about without concern of getting others sick (just try to rest your voice).
If your laryngitis is caused by an infection, you will most likely need a course of oral antibiotics or antifungal therapy before it goes away. This will help minimize and kill the bacteria or fungus growth causing the infection.
As long as you don't have any other severe symptoms, you should be able to continue your daily activities while you have laryngitis.
Signs You Should Get Help for Laryngitis
If you have been hoarse for more than three weeks and your doctor determines that it's not being caused by a respiratory infection, they will likely refer you to an ear, nose and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) for tests and treatment.