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How long to fully recover voice after losing it comletely?

By Anonymous February 4, 2019 - 12:39pm
 
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HERWriter Guide

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

Your voice will return depending on when and how you lost it.

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the larynx or voice box. The larynx is located where the mouth and trachea (breathing tube) meet. The epiglottis is a small flap that prevents food particles and saliva out of the larynx during swallowing. The larynx itself is actually cartilage that lines the inside of the trachea. The vocal folds (vocal cords) are attached to this cartilage and stretch across the trachea. The vocal folds are protected by mucus membranes.

When air from the lungs passes through the larynx and vocal cords, the cords vibrate against one another, and the muscles surrounding the voice box adjust to create different sounds.

When the larynx becomes inflamed, the result is a gravelly or hoarse voice, or even loss of sound altogether.

Acute or short-term laryngitis that results from a virus should improve on its own within 14 days. Treatment should be directed at allowing the vocal tissues an opportunity to heal. These include:- resting your voice as much as possible
- drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated
- take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce swelling (will also address any accompanying fever or flu-like symptoms)
- avoid smoking and areas where others smoke
- take frequent hot baths or showers, or use a cool-mist humidifier
- avoid eating and drinking within two to three hours of going to bed to prevent onset of acid reflux
- sleep on a raised pillow to keep acid from coming up

- if acid reflux is a persistent problem seek medical attention and medication or other methods to control it
- avoid clearing your throat as that will only irritate the tissues more; swallow instead
- avoid foods and drinks that coat your throat (for example, milk or pop)
- voice therapy may be recommended to teach proper breathing and speaking techniques to reduce the stress on the larynx and vocal cords

Chronic laryngitis can also be addressed by using the methods above. If the condition does not improve with these methods, then further medical investigation may be necessary to determine the root cause and determine a course of treatment. Your doctor may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist or otolaryngologist for this purpose.

Best,
Susan

February 4, 2019 - 5:37pm
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