Hoarseness is an abnormal change that occurs in the voice caused by various factors. These changes can affect the volume and pitch characteristics of your voice. So that the hoarse voice doesn't come back, see how to choose the right hoarse voice medicine.
There are many factors that can trigger hoarseness, ranging from allergies, smoking, excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, neurological disorders that regulate speech function, stomach acid reflux disease, to serious diseases such as neck and throat cancer.
Even so, generally hoarseness occurs due to acute laryngitis. Acute laryngitis itself is an inflammation of the vocal cord box (larynx), one of which is caused by excessive use of the vocal cords. For example singing too long or screaming. Laryngitis can also be caused by infection and irritation of the larynx.
Treat Hoarseness According to the Cause
To find out the right hoarse voice remedy, it is important for you to first find out the cause of the hoarse voice. The following are some hoarse voice remedies and how to treat hoarseness that you need to know:
- If hoarseness is the result of acute laryngitis, it usually gets better on its own once the infection or irritation has cleared. You can also use a humidifier (humidifier), reduce speech (voice rest), drink enough water, and take cough medicine, to help relieve the condition. If the cause of acute laryngitis is a bacterial infection, then you are advised to use antibiotics as recommended by your doctor.
- The hoarseness you experience can also be caused by allergies or acid reflux disease (GERD). In this condition, the way to deal with hoarseness is to avoid allergen triggers and avoid foods or drinks that can increase stomach acid.
- In some cases, hoarseness is the result of a serious disease, such as laryngeal cancer. This condition can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- If there is damage to the nerves that regulate speech function, then this condition needs special treatment from a neurologist.
It is recommended to choose hoarseness medication according to the underlying condition. If hoarseness occurs due to overuse of the vocal cords, then try to rest your vocal cords. And if you suffer from hoarseness caused by smoking, it is recommended to quit smoking.
Sound Therapy for Hoarseness
Voice therapy can actually also be an alternative to hoarse voice medicine. Voice therapy is a program designed to reduce hoarseness through lifestyle and speech changes. This therapy will also tell you how to use your voice properly, without harming your vocal cords. Especially for those who have had an injury or have recently had vocal cord surgery, this method can help.
The duration of voice therapy is adjusted according to how severe the voice problem is and how hoarseness begins. The range of time required is two treatments for 4 weeks or more. When undergoing this therapy, it is important for the patient to follow and adhere to what has been practiced at the time of therapy, even after the therapy session is over.
Try to choose a hoarse voice medicine that suits your condition. Also, try to avoid things that can cause hoarseness. For example, not using your voice excessively, quitting smoking, limiting the consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, and not eating foods that can cause hoarseness. Immediately consult a doctor if your hoarseness is getting worse. Early examination of voice disorders is needed to anticipate serious diseases, such as laryngeal cancer.
