Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx which can be quite painful, and also irritating because it makes it difficult to speak. Fortunately, most people recover from laryngitis within a few weeks, often with the use of home remedies. As with any medical condition, patients should consult a doctor if the symptoms do not abate within a week, or if they have any difficulty breathing. A doctor may recommend some of the same home remedies you will find listed here, but he or she may also prescribe medication or conduct diagnostic testing to rule out other problems which may be causing voice loss.

One of the best ways to treat laryngitis is to avoid it. Try to refrain from smoking and inhaling other harmful substances, and do not strain your voice by shouting and screaming. Since many cases of laryngitis are caused by infection, practice good hygiene and eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system strong. At the first sign of any soreness in your throat, take vitamin C and zinc lozenges.

If laryngitis does develop, the most important thing you can do is rest your voice. Ideally, you should not talk at all, and if you do need to speak, use a low voice, not a whisper, as whispers can be hard on your throat. Take the opportunity to take a rest, and use your laryngitis as an excuse to stay home, work in the garden, and organize your bookshelf. Stay quiet and calm for a few days, and the condition may resolve.

Staying hydrated will also speed your recovery. Drinking water is a great way to do this, and you can also drink teas, some of which may soothe the irritation in your throat. Ginger tea is an excellent choice, as is lemon tea, and you may want to sweeten your teas with honey, which is naturally antibacterial. If you can stand it, drink strong lemon or cider vinegar solutions every few hours, making a more acidic environment in your throat so that bacteria are disinclined to linger. Avoid drying foods and drinks, especially coffee and alcohol.

You can also improve the conditions in your throat by inhaling moist air and steam. Trying running the shower for a few moments in the bathroom before stepping in and taking a long, hot shower. You can also fill a bowl with hot water and hold your head over it, covering your head with a towel to make a miniature steam room. You may want to use essential oils like lemon and orange to make the experience more enjoyable.

Advice on gargles is split. Some doctors support gargling with salt water, vinegar, or lemon juice, because these substances will reduce the amount of bacteria in your throat and soothe inflammation. Others believe that the larynx is too far down in the throat for gargling to help, and that you may actually hurt your voice even more by gargling. You may want to consult your doctor for an opinion.