How long is my voice gone?

If hoarseness occurs in the context of a cold, it is to be expected that this can last as long as the cold itself. In the case of a harmless viral cold, which occurs most frequently, the cold symptoms can last one to two weeks, but then usually disappear by themselves. If, during this time, the larynx is also inflamed and the voice is affected, the voice can also be affected to a greater extent than normal cold symptoms: it is not uncommon to feel quite healthy again, only the voice still seems scratched. However, the course of hoarseness or larynx inflammation can also be influenced positively or negatively: the more the voice is spared in the acute phase of the illness and smoking is avoided, the sooner the voice comes back. Hoarseness can rarely become chronic, but there are usually other causes.

Therapy – What can I do so that my voice does not go away?

In order to prevent possible hoarseness with a cold, it is first and foremost important to save your voice in time. If the first symptoms of a flu-like infection become noticeable, rest should be maintained in order not to put additional strain on the body. Since hoarseness usually only develops when the cold viruses spread from further down towards the larynx, an attempt should be made to mobilize the body’s defenses as much as possible at the onset of the cold symptoms in order to prevent exactly that.In addition, it is advisable to drink enough liquid in case of a cold and to avoid vocal cord irritating poisons such as cigarette smoke.

Keeping the neck warm at the first signs of a scratch in the throat can also help to prevent the loss of voice. Drug therapy is usually not necessary if the voice is absent when a simple cold occurs. In addition to consistent protection of the voice, inhalations can be helpful, for example with table salt, camomile or sage additives.

If hoarseness is accompanied by sore throat and even shortness of breath, this indicates a more severe inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis), in which inhalation sprays containing cortisone or even antibiotics may have to be used. However, antibiotics are only useful in such cases if there is an (additional) bacterial infection of the larynx, i.e. a purulent inflammation. However, the decision about taking such medication should be made by the treating physician.

Classical home remedies to combat hoarseness in the case of a cold are, in addition to a sufficient fluid intake to moisten the mucous membranes and a consequent protection of the voice, inhalation. This can be done in the form of specially manufactured inhalation devices, but also quite simply by means of a steam bath (head steam bath). You can inhale with simple saline water or with an addition of chamomile, sage or eucalyptus oil.

In the phase of hoarseness it is also beneficial for the vocal chords to keep the neck warm with scarves, shawls or warm hash wraps. Also curd or potato wraps are an alternative. Learn more about this under: Inhaling ginger for colds has the property of calming and anti-inflammatory effects on mucous membranes.

For example, drinking ginger tea for a cold with hoarseness makes sense, as it not only strengthens the immune system but can also have a symptom-relieving effect on the larynx. For a ginger tea, one or more slices of ginger should be cut from a fresh ginger root and steeped in hot water (alternatively, ginger can be grated in hot water). After about 10 minutes of infusion time, the tea can be sweetened with honey if desired.

Various homeopathic medicines can be tried as a supplement to the various home remedies. These include, for example All the remedies mentioned here are aimed at improving the symptoms of hoarseness, sore throat, chesty cough and strengthening the immune system.

Causticum Hahnemanni,
Arnica,
Aconitum (wolfsbane),
Hepar sulfuris (sulfur liver: mixture of potassium sulfide, potassium polysulfides, potassium thiosulfate, potassium sulfate),
Argentum nitricum (silver nitrate) and
Echinacea (sun hats).