How to treat a shrunken voice

The vocal cords are flexible elastic formations in the pharynx, which are composed of connective muscle tissue. The ligaments are involved in the reproduction of sounds: during the penetration of air into the pharynx, they vibrate, mate and form a voice. With inflammation of the nasopharynx, the vocal passage narrows, causing changes in timbre or complete loss of voice. In addition to vocal functions, the ligaments also serve as a shield for the lungs from the smallest foreign particles.

In medicine, high-quality vocal disturbances in the form of hoarseness, nasalness, hoarseness and other changes in timbre are called dysphonia. The absolute absence of voice is aphonia. Inflammation of the vocal cords is most often the result of an infectious disease, but sometimes it accompanies other ailments. Severe swelling of the ligaments blocks the airway and can lead to suffocation.

Causes, forms and diagnosis of dysphonia

Usually the voice changes in the morning due to mechanical trauma or infectious diseases.

Violations of the voice are caused by the following factors:

screaming and long conversation in high tones (the effect is complicated by damp, windy weather conditions or dry air);
severe stress;
smoking;
stay in a dirty dusty room;
too hot food, ice drinks, spices, strong alcohol, soda, crackers, seeds;
exposure to harsh gases.

Dysphonia is provoked by such diseases:

laryngitis;
tonsillitis;
bronchitis;
angina;
measles;
pneumonia;
whooping cough;
rhinitis;
flu;
scarlet fever;
allergy.

Forms of dysphonia:

Light - occurs against the background of acute respiratory diseases. It is characterized by hoarseness, coughing, itching and sore throat. Does not require special therapy, the symptoms disappear in the process of recovery from acute respiratory infections.
Hypertrophic - characteristic of chronic diseases. A hoarse voice becomes due to the appearance of pinhead-sized nodes on the tissues of the ligaments. It is treated with conservative methods, surgical methods are rarely used.
Atrophic - caused by thinning of the pharyngeal mucosa. The patient is harassed by regular bouts of coughing with crusts and blood streaks in the sputum. Most often worried about people who abuse spicy foods and spices.
Tuberculous - indicates the presence of infection and the development of complications. Syphilitic rashes, ulcers, tuberculomas affect the vocal cords, provoking a constant hoarseness of the patient.
Diphtheria ("true" croup) - differs in the appearance of a dense plaque on the patient's tonsils. This accumulation of bacteria blocks the work of the vocal cords and makes breathing difficult.
"False" croup - develops against the background of acute viral infections in children. The glottis swells, spasms disrupt normal air circulation. Without timely medical assistance, such a pathology can lead to asphyxia.

If damage to the vocal cords is a concomitant symptom of a bacterial or viral disease, the patient must urgently see an otolaryngologist. The doctor will check the neck for possible inflammation of the lymph nodes, examine the oral cavity.

A physical examination will help identify the exact cause of the inflammation and prescribe adequate treatment.

Drug therapy

The return of the voice can take a long time, depending on the reasons that provoked the weakening of the tone of the vocal cords. Based on the symptoms, the hoarse patient will be referred for diagnosis to several specialists: an ENT specialist, a phoniatrist, a surgeon, a neurologist or an endocrinologist. At the beginning of treatment, it is necessary to protect the vocal cords. The patient will be prescribed pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, etc.)

After diagnosing the underlying disease, therapy will be aimed at eliminating its cause. For infectious diseases of the ENT organs, antibiotics are indicated. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is treated with gastric acid blockers. Hormonal ailments with dysfunction of the thyroid gland are eliminated by drugs that regulate its functions. If hoarseness is a consequence of an allergy, the patient will be prescribed antihistamines.

In cases where dysphonia is caused by benign or malignant growths, careful diagnosis and radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery are necessary.

The main goal of drug treatment is to restore the mobility of the vocal cords. For this, there are a number of stimulants. These include B vitamins, extract and tincture of Eleutherococcus root, drugs with neostigmine methyl sulfate.

To quickly restore the voice in stationary conditions, an adrenaline-based solution is used. Filling in the larynx of preparations "Chlorophyllipt", "Dioxidin", "Streptocymin" has proved to be good.

Pharmacy is ready to provide a variety of drugs to strengthen the vocal cords. Among them are Complivit, Supradin, Gerimaks, Centrum, Amiaton, Aviaton. People whose work is related to vigorous speech activity are recommended to take injection courses with vitamins B1, B6, aloe twice a year. Among homeopathic remedies positive responses were received by "Gomeovoks", "Isla" lollipops.

With an abundant thick secret, the patient is prescribed means that facilitate expectoration: "Mukaltin", "Pertussin", "Ambroxol", etc. If there are small ulcers in the throat, it is useful to lubricate them with Lugol's solution.

The reasons that led to the loss of voice are varied and many. Rely on experts to provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor-made treatment.

Inhalation

Inhalation of vapors is an effective way to restore the work of the vocal cords in case of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. For these purposes, many people use a special convenient device for inhalation - a nebulizer. The following funds are poured into it:

Saline is a common and cheap medicine for the vocal cords. When treating laryngitis, it is recommended to do up to 6 inhalations a day for 15 minutes. Positive results appear on the 2nd day.
Alkaline mineral water without gas. This inhalation will help relieve puffiness, irritation and return your voice. The procedure can be performed up to 6 times a day.
In case of aphonia (complete loss of voice), doctors recommend a suspension for the Pulmicort nebulizer. This drug relieves severe swelling, it can be used to treat children. Used with permission from the doctor.
"Ambroxol" is prescribed for inhalation, if you want to get an expectorant effect. These treatments can ease coughs, moisturize the throat, and help restore your voice.

Inhalation has contraindications, therefore, therapy can be carried out only after an accurate diagnosis has been established and on the recommendation of a doctor. Inhalation with hot steam should not be done in the acute stage of laryngitis.

It is forbidden to use essential oils for inhalation for children, since they often cause bronchospasm and allergies. Adults are shown procedures with essential oils in the absence of allergic reactions and fever. Many oils are very effective in softening the larynx and reducing inflammation.

Folk recipes for the restoration of vocal cords

Traditional medicine offers many tips for the restoration of vocal cords, xgeneve.ch medicine with natural ingredients is affordable and proven over the years.

Pour 100 g of star anise stars with a glass of boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour for a couple. Strain the broth, add 2 tbsp. tablespoons of fresh honey and 20 g of brandy. Take 1 teaspoon every half hour.
Grate 1 small carrot and boil in 0.5 l of milk for 10-15 minutes. Strain the broth.Take 1 tbsp. spoon 4-5 times a day.
Boil the bran in 2 liters of water for 10 minutes. Strain, add cane sugar to taste and drink the broth in warm small portions.
1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of brandy and 2 teaspoons of honey. This mixture must be slowly absorbed.
If you lose your voice, it is very useful to drink honey eggnog. To do this, beat 1 egg yolk, pour in half a liter of milk, add 3 tbsp. spoons of honey and orange juice. Beat the protein with 25 g of sugar and add to the yolk mass. It is better to drink eggnog before breakfast.
Mix equal amounts of fresh carrot juice with honey. Drink 2 teaspoons up to 5 times a day.
Pass a small head of peeled garlic through a press and boil in 1 glass of milk. Strain the cooled broth. Drink 1 tbsp. spoon up to 4 times a day.
Combine 0.5 cups of fresh beetroot juice with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vinegar. Use a rinse and drink 1 sip after the end of the procedure.
2 tbsp. boil raisins in 1 glass of water. Strain the broth, add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of onion juice. Drink a third of a glass three times a day, you can add honey to taste.
Finely chop a small peeled onion, cover with 2 teaspoons of sugar and pour in an incomplete glass of water. Boil over low heat until the consistency of gruel. Add an equal amount of honey to the finished product and take 1 tbsp. spoon half an hour before meals.
Pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of thyme. Leave to stand for 10 minutes, add lemon juice and honey to taste. Drink instead of tea.
Eat fresh pineapple and drink pineapple juice.

Prophylaxis

Speak less if you are at risk of losing your voice. After prolonged work of the vocal cords, it is not advisable to drink ice cold drinks, this will lead to hypothermia. Be careful with your diet, exclude spicy, bitter, very sweet and sour foods, as they provoke irritation. Consume honey and propolis.

Give up tobacco and alcohol. Get enough sleep, avoid nervous strain. Take complex vitamins to stimulate the vocal cords. Humidify the air in the room. Stay cool and strengthen your immune system.

The Russian bath has a positive effect on the respiratory organs and the general condition of the body. People who, by the nature of their work, are forced to overload the vocal cords, it is recommended to drink enough fluids and practice voice exercises.