Lose your voice? Avoid these things to get your sweet voice back!


Image result for laryngitis
rebekahsimonpeter.com
                                
Believe it or not, I didn’t know losing your voice was a condition called "Laryngitis". Right now, I have a hoarse voice, or like we used to say it growing up, my voice is gone! I did experience losing my voice quite a lot in secondary school and it was mostly as a result of my role as Head Girl and having to scream out instructions to the students!

Story time! So, recently, I suffered a very bad cold. Like, it went the whole 9 yards; sore throat, congested nose and chest, and the feared fever! Who did I offend?! I was out, but my voice was still intact, or so I thought. Later in the week, I felt strong enough to attend a wedding. It was after the wedding I noticed my voice had left me *shrieks in horror*. What happened?! I wasn't quite sure if it was the cold or straining to talk as a result of the loud music at the wedding that caused it. I guess with laryngitis, it could be both!


Image result for laryngitis
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Laryngitis is the inflammation and swelling of the larynx, a.k.a, voice box. The larynx is used in the process of swallowing, talking, and breathing. The swelling of the vocal cords cause a change in the flow of air in the throat, causing a change in the sounds produced.

Causes of acute laryngitis, which could last from a few days to about a week or 2, include:
  • Viral infections, just like that of a flu or common cold
  •  Overuse of the voice like singing, yelling, or cheering at an event
For these, there would be no need to see a doctor. With a lot of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking pain killers when you feel any pain, you should feel better. However, when you notice a fever or trouble breathing, or any other life threatening symptoms, please make that trip to the doctor’s office, thank you!
                                        
Things that could worsen laryngitis include:
  • Trying to clear your throat. Don’t bother. Just let it go. If you have a dry cough though, you could take a cough suppressant
  • Whispering! Who knew? Apparently, you strain more whispering than speaking normally which just makes everything worse
  • Taking decongestants. This could be tricky especially if you need that relief when you have a cold. Sorry, but decongestants dry out the throat and with laryngitis, you want to keep your throat moist.
So, what do you need to do when you voice becomes hoarse?
  • Stop talking for too long! I bet my friends are happy about this one...hehe. Just rest your voice till it gets better
  • Drink lots of fluids; not alcohol or caffeine though. Anything else that would hydrate the system would be fine
  • Breathe moist air. Get a bowl of hot water, bend over it and cover your head with a towel to get that steam in there! Throw in some menthol or eucalyptus to make it better. You’re welcome. (I know, I’m very nice ðŸ‘€)
  • Moisten your throat using lozenges, chewing gum, or gargling with salt water (the salt pulls fluid out from the tissues, thereby washing out the virus)

There you have it. Hope you learned something new. Thank you for reading! *with all the hoarseness of my voice*

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