Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Wait it out?Hoarseness is more likely to happen during an upper respiratory illness. You’re coughing, clearing your throat a lot and your voice may start to sound croaky or weak. This can linger from a few days to a few weeks, or even longer in some cases, Dr. Milstein says.How long should you wait to see if it will go away on its own? It depends.“If you rely on your voice for your job, make plans to see your doctor if your voice isn’t better in two weeks,” he says.Risk factors such as a history of smoking, a history of cancer or other health concerns should prompt an evaluation for hoarseness that lingers beyond two to four weeks.Here’s what to do in the meantimeWhile there is no quick fix to help get your voice back, Dr. Milstein offers these tips to soothe inflamed vocal cords:Rest. Aim to rest your voice as much as possible. Talk quietly and only talk half as much as you ordinarily would, or less if possible.Seek out quiet. Avoid loud environments. They can often force you to talk more loudly (or with greater effort) than usual.Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Avoid dehydrating beverages, such as alcohol and those that contain caffeine.Use a humidifier. This will help keep the air you breathe moist, which can help soothe inflamed vocal cords.Medicate. Try an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This can help ease discomfort and vocal cord inflammation.If your hoarseness persists for longer than two weeks to a month, talk with your doctor. They may suggest a laryngoscopy, a procedure that will offer a better view of your larynx.“Our ability to better visualize your larynx can help us more quickly diagnose something that might need surgical management or medication,” Dr. Milstein says.Some experts recommend visualization of
Add Comment