Hoarseness of voice

Hoarseness is a condition where the individual observes an abnormal change in the voice. The person experience dry or scratchy throat and the sound produced will not be smooth. 

The most common symptoms of hoarseness stem from a sign of inflamed larynx. This condition is called laryngitis. If the hoarseness lasts for more than 10days, medical intervention is required.

What are the Causes of Hoarseness of voice?

Hoarseness is a result of viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. Other common factors that can cause, hoarseness may be:

  • Excess coughing 
  • Allergies
  • Smoking
  • Acid reflux
  • Drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
  • Screaming, prolonged singing, or straining the vocal cords
  • Inhaling toxic substances

Some less common causes of hoarseness include:

  • Polyps (abnormal growths) in the vocal cords, throat, thyroid, or lung cancer
  • Damage to the throat caused due to any insertion of tubes. 
  • Male adolescence (when the voice deepens)
  • Poorly functioning thyroid gland
  • Aortic aneurysms (swelling of a portion of the aorta, the largest artery of the heart)
  • Nerve disorders that weaken the muscles supporting larynx

What are The Symptoms of Hoarseness of voice?

Hoarseness typically exhibits symptoms like:

  • Raspy and harsh quality of voice.
  • Change in the pitch of voice. 
  • Swelling or inflammation in the vocal cord.

Home Remedies For Hoarseness of voice

1. Ginger decoction

A piece of the ginger root should be taken and cleaned properly. It should be cut into pieces and boiled. For 10 mins. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool down to room temperature. Drink this mixture. This can be taken 3 times a day. 

Ginger has the ability to soothe the inner linings of the voice box (larynx) and relives the pain and inflammation. It is an excellent antimicrobial agent and treats if any infection to throat.  

2. Turmeric and Honey

Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric with honey and make it into a uniform paste. Lick this paste in regular intervals. 

Honey is highly beneficial for soothing the throat. It scraps out the excess phlegm from the throat. It helps to reduce inflammation. Turmeric being anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial makes a perfect combination to act on hoarseness of voice.  

3. Licorice Root 

Take 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root and boil 2cups of water. Strain and drink the freshly prepared concoction and drink it warm. Drink 2cups daily. 

Licorice is a powerful plant which relieves pain, reduces cough and eliminate phlegm. It also kills the microbes that cause infection in the voice box and also alleviates the irritation. 

4. Gargle warm saltwater

Boil the water and add rock salt to it. Stir it well and gargle using this warm water. After gargling, spit it out. 

The throat gets soothe with the warm water. It helps in removing excess secretions if any.  

5. Fresh garlic cloves

Take fresh garlic cloves and chew it. This can be continued 4-5times a day.

It possesses antibacterial properties which help in treating diseases like laryngitis and bronchitis. 

6. Clove Buds

Chew a few clove buds. Do this often a day when you feel the hoarseness in the voice. Alternatively, gargling warm water with clove, followed by swallowing, helps to numb the pain in your throat.

Clove is an excellent antibacterial for the throat. It not only fight infection but also acts as a numbing agent. 

7. Lemon juice with honey

Add lemon juice with honey and mix it thoroughly. Have it twice daily.

Honey is highly beneficial for soothing an irritated throat due to its astringent property. It reduces inflammation as well. Lemon is rich in antimicrobial property, which helps to clear throat infection.