Hoarse Throat

A hoarse throat is a health condition where the pitch and quality of the voice is changed. Usually, many of us experience a hoarse voice early in the morning, but this is temporary hoarseness that disappears after a while. The most common symptoms are cough, difficulty in swallowing, and a harsh voice that makes speaking difficult.

Tips to Relieve Hoarse Throat

Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is the best method to get some instant relief from hoarse throat. Add half a teaspoon of salt in one cup or glass of warm water and gargle at least twice a day. You can also gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Inhale Steam
Steam is a very effective method to treat infections of the upper respiratory tract. Boil some water in a vessel and add a few drops of an essential oil, such as eucalyptus oil, in it. Use a towel to cover your head and breathe in the steam that comes from this mixture.

Drink Hot Fluids
Drinking hot fluids helps to ease the symptoms of a hoarse throat. Milk mixed with turmeric powder, is an age-old natural remedy. You can add some sugar to this mixture to reduce the bitter taste of turmeric. You can also have some herbal tea to soothe your throat. A mixture of lemon extract and honey in warm water, is also a good remedy.

Medicines
There are certain medications like analgesics, that help to alleviate hoarseness in throat. Some pharmaceutical companies produce throat sprays, which if sprayed over the throat, relieves the symptoms. However, it is recommended that you seek medical advice before taking any medicines.

Responsible Factors

• There are many causes that can lead to a hoarse throat. It can be a minor bacterial infection or some serious health problem like throat cancer.

• Speaking loudly for a longer period of time, exposure to excessive smoke or irritants, common cold and cough are some of the common causes.

• Laryngitis, which is inflammation of the larynx, is another cause of hoarseness in throat. Laryngitis can be either chronic or acute. Acute laryngitis is basically because of some upper respiratory tract infection, while chronic laryngitis persists for a long time and may pose serious problems.

• Prolonged chewing of tobacco or smoking can also lead to a hoarse throat, and cause throat cancer.

• In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the acidic food present in the stomach flows back into the mouth, causing irritation of the vocal folds and hence, a hoarse throat.

• Other causes include allergies, bronchitis, tonsillitis, post nasal drip syndrome, and puberty.

This was a summary on the causes and remedies for hoarse throat. If you have this problem due to smoking, then you should try to quit smoking at the earliest. Consult your doctor if the hoarseness in your throat prevails for more than a week.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.