A popular ailment often resulting from straining the voice or inflammation of the throat. Associated with the feeling of scratching and dryness, treatable without medical intervention, hoarseness that we all have come across at some point.
However, the causes of hoarseness are not always so trivial. If we struggle with hoarseness regularly for a long period of time, it may predispose us to contact a specialist as soon as possible. In case of temporary discomfort, home remedies are enough.
Where does hoarseness come from?
Hoarseness is related to the dull, rough timbre of the voice. Sometimes it is possible to disappear, which is often accompanied by pain, redness and difficulty swallowing. We are dealing with hoarseness as a result of inflammation, which leads to abnormalities in the vocal fold vibrations.
Hoarseness may occur in inflammation of the larynx, trachea, epiglottis, or pharynx. In adults, medical conditions are usually to blame, such as:
- benign and malignant tumors compressing the larynx,
- gastric and esophageal reflux,
- Hypothyroidism,
- conditions involving muscles, joints and cricoid nerves,
- psychogenic syndromes,
- foreign bodies,
- irritants, such as cigarette smoke,
- voice overuse.
Children are at risk of hoarseness most often as a result of:
- tonsil hypertrophy,
- runny nose, which along with the secretion gets to the back of the throat,
- inhalant or food allergy,
- drinking cold drinks,
- crying and screaming.
Fight hoarseness properly!
- Unless the hoarseness lasts more than 4 weeks, let’s try to fight it on our own.
- Air humidification – wet towels left on the radiator will increase air humidity during the heating season. Dry air increases discomfort and irritates the mucous membrane of the throat.
- Gargle – a solution of table salt will be perfect, which will deal with the bacteria responsible for oral infections.
- Save your vocal cords – try to speak as little as possible and avoid staying in smoky rooms.
- Linseed based infusion – eliminates irritation of the mucosa along with inflammation.
- Pharmacy products – throat moisturisers, syrups and lozenges, the composition of which has been enriched with sage, thyme or verbena. For children, lollipops purchased at the pharmacy will work well, which will moisturize and tame soreness in the throat.
- Keep your mucous membranes hydratedh – use inhalations, drink lukewarm water and tea with juice, syrup, ginger, or a slice of lemon. Lemon thins the mucus in the throat and also facilitates its expectoration. It is worth reaching for a cup of warm milk with the addition of honey and butter, for the sake of soothing and moisturizing.