![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swient.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Tips-to-Care-for-a-Hoarse-Throat.jpg\" "\\"Tips-to-Care-for-a-Hoarse-Throat\\"")
Sometimes we want a break from our busy lives and wonder how it would be to sit in silence for awhile. While this is a typical daydream, the reality of losing your voice is less enjoyable. Not only is it painful, but a dry throat can make it difficult to complete daily tasks that require communication.<\/p>\n
If you haven\u2019t been yelling lately or in the middle of a crowd cheering you may wonder why you are beginning to lose your voice. If your voice is raspy or changes pitch from high to low then you have abnormal voice changes. The most common cause is swelling of the vocal chords and voice box(larynx). The medical term for reasons of this vocal chord strain is acute laryngitis. Laryngitis is a viral infection that leads to swelling of the vocal chords. Other causes are smoking, allergies, and strenuous voice use.<\/p>\n
If the underlying cause of a hoarse throat is acute laryngitis, the symptoms will clear up on their own over time. To ease the pain of a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water a few times a day. Salt will help remove mucus from the respiratory tract while warm water will relieve the irritation. Smoking cessation and voice rest are other ways to get your voice back on track.<\/p>\n
If you still haven\u2019t regained your throat, you need to see an ear, nose, throat specialist who can further diagnose your symptoms. The specialist will look at your vocal chords and analyze your voice.<\/p>\n