How to Regain Your Voice After a Cold: Simple Steps to Recovery 0 63

Causes of Voice Loss

A cold is one of the most common illnesses. One of the unpleasant symptoms accompanying the illness is loss of voice or hoarseness. Why can this happen?

1. Laryngitis — during a cold, viruses can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, leading to swelling and irritation of the vocal cords. "This inflammation makes it difficult for them to function normally, which is the cause of hoarseness or complete loss of voice," says our expert.

2. Coughing — the frequent cough that accompanies a cold and the strain on the vocal cords can injure them.

3. Allergic reactions — sometimes the symptoms of a cold can be caused by allergies, which also lead to inflammation and swelling of the larynx.

The Main Rule — Silence and Hydration

The most important thing you can do for your voice is to give it a rest. Try to speak as little as possible, and ideally, observe complete vocal rest. This means:

• No whispering! Whispering strains the vocal cords even more than regular speech.

• Avoid talking on the phone.

• If you need to say something, speak quietly and in short phrases.

It is also important to drink plenty of fluids. Dryness is the main enemy of inflamed vocal cords. "Drink plenty of regular warm water. Herbal teas with chamomile, lime, or sage are also excellent. They have anti-inflammatory properties. Remember the classic childhood recipe of milk with honey. This drink helps soothe the throat and calm a cough. Just make sure you are not allergic to honey," says the doctor.

Avoid very hot or cold drinks, carbonated beverages, and alcohol — they can irritate the throat.

What Else Can Help Alleviate the Condition

To help the vocal cords recover faster, gargle with warm saline solutions (1 teaspoon of salt per glass of water) or herbal infusions (chamomile, sage, lime). They will help reduce inflammation and clear the throat. It’s best to do this several times a day. "Special throat lozenges are also good for soothing. Choose those with natural ingredients (menthol, eucalyptus, honey) that soothe the throat and alleviate discomfort. It’s important not to overload the throat with irritants, so during this period, it’s better to refrain from smoking (even passive) and try to avoid smoky places. Ventilate rooms more often and place a humidifier in the room," advises Andrey.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, hoarseness after a cold resolves on its own within a few days. However, there are instances when it is better to consult a specialist to avoid worsening the situation. You should be concerned if:

• Your voice does not recover within 1–2 weeks.

• You experience severe throat pain that does not go away.

• You have difficulty breathing.

• You have a high fever that lasts a long time.

• There is blood in your sputum.

"Restoring your voice is a process that takes time and careful attention. Listen to your body, give it a rest, and your voice will surely return to you in all its glory," concludes the doctor.