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Laryngitis can happen from either a virus or overuse of the voice. When your vocal cords become inflamed and swollen, your voice comes off either hoarse or not there at all. Most cases of laryngitis are acute and can resolve themselves, but some cases are chronic. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help diagnose and treat laryngitis for you and your family members. Learn more about the types of general illnesses we treat here.
What is laryngitis?
Acute laryngitis can come as a result of a virus. It is not serious and is typically healed within a few weeks. Chronic laryngitis is a reoccurring case that lasts for three weeks or more. Symptoms of both types of laryngitis include:
- Hoarseness
- Voice loss
- Sore throat
- Dry throat
Laryngitis should not cause a fever or pain that will not go away. If this is the case, you should seek medical attention as it could be something more serious. In small children, if they have these symptoms as well as wheezing when inhaling, it may be Croup. Alone, laryngitis is nothing to be concerned about. It can be prevented by not screaming or shouting, not clearing your throat frequently, and drinking plenty of fluids every day.
Chronic cases of laryngitis can typically be prevented by understanding underlying causes. These causes include smoking, inhaling chemical fumes, excessive alcohol use, and chronic sinusitis. By stopping some of these things, you can prevent further damage to your vocal cords. Smoking excessively can cause serious damage to your respiratory system, which can be lifelong.
Can I treat laryngitis at home?
There is no specific cure for laryngitis, but there are things you can do at home to speed up the recovery process. First, going on vocal rest can improve your symptoms and prevent further damage. If you continue to yell while dealing with laryngitis, it can permanently damage your vocal cords. Drinking plenty of water and tea with lemon and honey can also help soothe a raw throat. If the laryngitis is caused by bacteria, which is not as common, your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic. Use a humidifier while home, as well, to help put moisture in the air to help with breathing. There are also throat lozenges that can be used to add moisture back to the throat.
For more information on preventing and treating laryngitis, call AFC Urgent Care Stoneham today. Our physicians are trained to give you and your loved ones the best care possible.
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