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Strained Vocal Cords Symptoms And Remedy
By
Patricia | May 27, 2009
If you are in a profession that requires you to ‘throw’ your voice or speak in a loud manner, you might find yourself at risk of developing strained vocal chords. Singers, actors, teachers, public speakers, and even individuals working in environments that require them to speak loudly may experience strained or inflamed vocal cords. Other factors that may cause scratched or damaged vocal chords include swelling, viral or bacterial infections, growths or polyps, and inflamed vocal chords. Infants often suffer from strained vocal chords as their larynx or voice box is still developing in strength. Prolonged screaming or crying may cause strained vocal chords for your baby.
Short-term relief for strained vocal chords is as simple as letting your voice box rest for a while. If you suffer from strained vocal chords regularly, you may look at traditional remedies such as Ayurveda. These involve natural, organic remedies with fewer side effects than antibiotics. To strengthen your vocal muscles, you may also practice Yoga exercises such as Simhasana (Lion Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), and Nauka Sanchalanasana (Rowing Boat Pose).
Symptoms:
Some symptoms of strained vocal chords may improve over time. Others may point to a more serious or long lasting condition requiring immediate medical attention and in some cases, surgical intervention. Talk to your doctor if any of these symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen over time.
- Raspy or hoarse tone of voice
- Loss of voice or vocal fatigue could be a symptom of vocal cord paresis or vocal cord paralysis
- Itching, irritation or burning sensation in the throat
- Sore throat causing pain or discomfort
- Coughing up blood
- Lump in your throat
- Dry sensation in the throat
- Dry cough
Persistent dry cough, especially amongst young children, may point to a case of whopping cough or pertussis. In case your child exhibits symptoms of persistent high fever, drooling, difficulty swallowing, labored breathing or wheezing, you may want to seek medical attention for another inflammatory condition called croup.
Causes:
Acute causes of strained vocal chords may include:
- Yelling or screaming for a short or long time
- Viruses that cause respiratory illnesses and bacterial infections may affect the vocal cords
- Fungal infections and some parasitic attacks may also cause individuals to lose their voice
In chronic cases, damage to vocal cords may occur over a period of systematic abuse. Certain irritants may cause growths called polyps or nodules on or around the voice box, increasing tension on it. Some of the irritants include:
- Chain smokers may find strained vocal cords due to smoke irritation.
- Alcohol abuse may lead to inflammation or irritation
- Chemical particulates, fumes, allergens such as pollen may cause strained vocal cords with continuous inhalation.
Other causes include:
- In acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), stomach acids rising to the esophagus may irritate the throat lining causing inflammation.
- Chronic case of sinusitis may cause inflammation in and around the respiratory region
Some chronic conditions that cause strained vocal cords may include:
- As you grow older, the vocal cord muscles may bend, stretch or weaken resulting in hoarseness
- Cancer or tumor growth in the throat region may put stress on the vocal cords. Laryngeal cancer may cause strained or damaged vocal cords.
- Individuals may suffer from vocal cord paralysis resulting from a heart attack or stroke, lung tumor or physical trauma or shock.
Remedies:
How long does it take a strained voice to heal? Treatment for strained vocal chords depends on diagnosis of underlying conditions. If it is an acute case of strained vocal cords, you may start noticing reduced hoarseness in a few weeks with simple tips to relax your strained larynx.
- Avoid symptoms such as dry, itchy throat by providing adequate moisture. Use a humidifier to moisten the air you breathe.
- Home remedies such as inhaling steam may help clear congestion and provide moisture to the respiratory tract. Inhaling from a bowl of hot water or hot shower may soothe inflamed tissues and reduce irritation.
- Avoid irritants such as smoke, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. Overtime abuse of these substances tends to harden or tighten voice muscle tissue.
- For professionals who use their voice regularly, learn to relax your voice box between and after hectic activity. Voice therapy may also help individuals to ease strain on their larynx. Correct breathing techniques and speech modulation lessons may reduce the strain on your voice.
- You may moisten your throat by sucking on lozenges, chewing on non-sugar gum, or taking salt water gargles.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout strenuous voice activity. Sipping on warm water with honey can soothe inflamed vocal muscle tissues.
- Try to talk in a soft voice instead of whispering as this puts more strain on your vocal chords than normal speech.
- Consume plenty of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables particularly those that are abundant in vitamins and minerals that can help in keeping the throat clean and healthy.
- Eat spicy foods in moderation to prevent esophageal reflux which has the potential to further worsen vocal cords.
- Some herbal remedies recommended for strained vocal chords include drinking an herbal concoction made from slippery elm that can provide relief from the strain and keep the throat moist and lubricated.
- Tested herbal remedies such as Echinacea and yellow root or Oregon holly grape are also believed to be highly efficacious for sore throats caused by a cold or flu.
- Garlic is another useful herb when combating sore throat, as it possesses notable abilities in warding off harmful bacteria and virus infecting the throat.
Healing methods such as acupuncture may target tension areas in the throat and neck region that cause strained vocal chords. If pursuing this form of treatment, ensure that you consult a certified acupuncture specialist for treatment.