Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, the voice box. The vocal cords are 2 folds of mucous membrane covering cartilage and muscles present in the voice box. Normally, the vocal cords work effortlessly, forming sounds through vibration.
When the vocal cords get inflamed or irritated, the sounds that are created by air passing over them get significantly altered.
The condition may be short-lived or chronic. Furthermore, constant hoarseness is an indication of a serious underlying medical condition.
Causes And Symptoms Of Reflux Laryngitis
Reflux laryngitis is caused when the stomach acid comes up in to the esophagus. The reflux occurs due to a weakness in the muscles at the esophagus and stomach junction; i.e. the lower esophageal sphincter. As a rule, the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter keeps food and stomach acid from regurgitating upwards. The LES opens to permit food in to the stomach and shuts to keep the contents of the stomach from coming back up.
When the abdominal pressure is high, due to – tight clothing, obesity or hiatus hernia there is an increased risk for reflux.
Signs and symptoms of reflux laryngitis
Reflux laryngitis manifests as:
- Hoarseness
- Loss of voice
- Tickling sensation in the throat
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Heart burn and acidity
- Water-brash
- Tummy pains
Natural Remedies For Laryngitis Caused By Reflux
- Your doctor will prescribe antacids to neutralize the stomach acid to provide immediate relief. Confer with your health care provider to understand which anti-acid would work best for you.
- Avoid large meals; have small frequent meal through the day. Also, steer clear of fatty, greasy foods. Do not have foods that are too hot or too cold.
- Mint: Mint is an excellent home remedy for GI upsets. It soothes the stomach lining and prevents refluxes. Have a glass of mint tea after every meal.
- Ginger: Ginger is an amazing anti-inflammatory agent. It allays inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining and soothes abdominal as well as throat pains effectively. Have ginger juice with honey 3 to 5 times daily; it’ll aid digestion.
- Yogurt: Is a carminative and digestive; it soothes the stomach lining and ensures that the food is digested well.
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to go by after eating, before you lie down.
- Steer clear of spicy foods, fried foods, citrus, onions, cabbage and chocolate, more so, if these foods tend to worsen your symptoms.
- Also, steer clear of alcohol, tobacco and aerated drinks.
- Eat a wholesome diet which is easy to digest; you could talk to a nutritionist to plan your daily menus.
- It will be helpful to raise the head side of your bed using wooden blocks; this allows gravity to keep the acid in the stomach. Also, if you place pillows under the head, it is not that effectual; wedges which help raise the head and chest are beneficial.
- In case you are fat or obese, you need to manage your body weight. Plan meals and meal timings as well as go on board a workout routine to shed those pounds. Losing weight helps reduce GI reflux and consequently helps treat laryngitis.