How to Prevent Laryngitis

Singers, public speakers and others who rely on their voices to earn their bread and butter know a thing or two about caring for their voices. You can take a few tricks from them to prevent laryngitis so you'll always be heard loud and clear.

Instructions

1. Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke too. Smoke can dry out your throat and inflame your vocal cords.

2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Fluids help thin the mucus in your throat, preventing the need to clear it.

3. Keep away from alcohol and caffeine.

4. Avoid clearing your throat, which can irritate your throat and cause swelling of the vocal cords.

5. Don't overuse your voice by shouting or singing loudly.

6. Stay away from sick people. Many cases of laryngitis are caused by infection, so practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently.

Resources

• The Mayo Clinic website has a short list for laryngitis prevention.
• The Intelihealth website includes comprehensive information on laryngitis.
• The Healthopedia website features facts on laryngitis.