The vocal cords, necessary in humans for the production of voice, are located in the larynx. In reality they are not cords, but membranes that are anatomically correctly called vocal folds. They open and close when inhaling and exhaling, singing or speaking, so they are in constant movement and are especially demanding. Inflammation of the vocal cords is also known as laryngitis.
Why do the vocal cords become inflamed?
If a vocal cord is put under short- or long-term stress, a inflammation of the larynx or inflammation of the vocal cords.
Inflammation of the vocal cords It is the most common form of acute voice disorder and usually begins as a viral infection.
In most cases, the mucous membranes are very red. Both vocal cords are also thickened and their ability to vibrate is greatly restricted.
Signs of inflammation of the vocal cords
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness (dysphonia)
- Marked effort when speaking
- Pain when talking
- Difficulties swallowing
- Fever
- Swelling sensation in the throat
Causes and triggers of the disease
- Cold and flu virus infections
- dry air
- Excessive use of the voice by singing, shouting or speaking incorrectly or constantly
- allergic reaction
- Smoke
- Professions such as singers, teachers, call center workers or market sellers
Treatment of acute inflammation of the vocal cords
The voice must rest and, if necessary, supported with medication, so that the inflammation can be relieved and the vocal cords can soon be used again as usual.
Home remedies will also help relieve symptoms. Care must always be taken until the voice fully recovers before returning to normal.
Cold or heat for a sore throat? Find out in the following video.
How long does laryngitis last?
Acute inflammation of the vocal cords It usually heals on its own in seven/fourteen days. If the symptoms last more than two weeks or symptoms such as fever or sputum occur, it is necessary to see a doctor.
The situation is different for children, who may have more severe symptoms and They may be sick for several weeks. Additionally, children can have several particular forms of laryngeal disease in addition to inflammation of the vocal cords.
- In croup or laryngotracheobronchitis, a viral infection, barking cough, difficulty breathing and hoarseness are typical.
- epiglottitis It causes difficulty breathing, high fever, difficulty swallowing, and sore throat. If the larynx and epiglottis become severely swollen, go to the emergency room without delay.
Top 10 Home Remedies for Vocal Cord Inflammation
1. Inhalations
Inhaling a mild saline solution helps relieve pain and improve well-being. In a bowl, add warm water, not too hot, and a tablespoon of salt. Place a towel over your head and breathe deeply into the steam. You can add a few drops of tea tree essential oil, which has antiseptic properties.
2. Onion juice
Onion juice is a proven home remedy that It helps relieve symptoms thanks to its antibiotic and antiseptic properties. This juice loosens mucus and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Ingredients :
- 2 onions
- 1 glass jar
- 4 tablespoons liquid honey
- Water
Elaboration:
- Cut two onions into small pieces and place them in a glass jar.
- Fill the jar with water until the onions are covered.
- Then add the honey and wait for it to dissolve. Cover the jar and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Drink about three tablespoons of onion juice a day. Keep in mind that this juice does not keep for more than three days.
3. Quark Cheese Wrap
Quark wraps can be used for acute and prolonged sore throats. For this Apply a thick layer of quark to a damp cloth.
The quark must be at room temperature. The cloth is then wrapped around the neck and secured with a dry, thin linen or cotton cloth. Leave the quark wrapper overnight.
Quark shells They have an anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effect.
4. Onion wrap
Heat three onions in the oven or microwave. Then peel and chop them finely. Place a finger-thick layer of onion on a linen cloth, fold the cloth and wrap it around your neck.
Leave the wrap on for a few hours and renew if necessary. Onion wraps have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and secretion-dissolving effect.
5. Gargle and rinse
Gargle or rinse too can help relieve symptoms of vocal cord inflammation and contribute to a faster recovery.
- Tea Tree Oil Infusion: Add five to eight drops of tea tree oil to a glass of warm water. Mix well, gargle for a few minutes and spit. It can be used several times a day.
- Sage infusion: Pour a teaspoon of finely chopped sage leaves into a cup of boiling water. Let the infusion rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and use a little as a gargle and drink the rest in small sips.
- Blackberry juice: drink about 80 ml of slightly warm blackberry juice with honey daily. You can gargle with a small amount of the mixture.
6. Apple cider vinegar
apple cider vinegar It is a true all-rounder and a great remedy for all types of diseases, including acute inflammation of the vocal cords.
The antibacterial and antiviral properties of apple cider vinegar help treat infections such as laryngitis and relieve symptoms.
For this, drink 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon of honey and water twice a day. If you wish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the anti-inflammatory effect.
The mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is also suitable for gargling several times a day.
7. Warm salt water
Warm salt water helps kill bacteria. It also has a positive effect on the regeneration of the vocal cords, effectively relieving sore throats. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water, stir well and gargle with the solution several times a day.
8. Honey
Honey soothes irritation and inflammation in the throat. You can sweeten your infusion with honey or let a teaspoon of honey melt in your mouth three or four times a day.
By the way, Manuka honey is very suitable, Its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content has a strong effect against bacteria and promotes the healing of inflamed vocal cords.
9. Moisturize the mucous membranes
Drink infusions It serves to moisten the mucous membranes and prevents viruses and bacteria from spreading further. Sage, Iceland moss, lemon or licorice stimulate the flow of saliva so that the mucosa of the larynx is hydrated and soft.
Especially in winter, dry heating air is a problem and therefore a real challenge for the vocal cords. Place damp cloths or bowls of water on the radiators to humidify the air. Automatic humidifiers are also useful.
10. Ginger
ginger, with its antibacterial and antiviral effects, It is also a popular home remedy for vocal cord inflammation.
The medicinal root It soothes inflamed mucous membranes and also relieves sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Put a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in a cup of boiled water and let it steep for ten minutes. Drink three times a day for two weeks.
Is inflammation of the vocal cords contagious?
Depending on the cause, laryngitis can be contagious. In the case of acute inflammation, bacteria or viruses are usually the triggers, which They are transmitted, for example, through droplets when speaking. The severity and contagion time of vocal cord inflammation varies depending on the pathogen.
How to prevent inflammation of the vocal cords
Professional groups in particular who are susceptible to vocal cord inflammation can train their voice and make it more resilient through regular voice and breathing exercises.
A strong immune system It can also prevent inflammation. To stimulate it, nothing better than a healthy diet, enough outdoor exercise and rest.