- Rest your voice. This means avoiding all unnecessary talking, singing, or shouting. You should also avoid activities that put strain on your vocal cords, such as running or lifting heavy objects.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help to keep your vocal cords moist and prevent them from drying out.
- Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help to reduce irritation and keep your vocal cords healthy.
- Avoid irritants. This includes things like smoke, dust, and allergies.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce swelling and pain in the vocal cords.
- See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you have had vocal cord problems for more than two weeks, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Here are some additional tips that may help to heal vocal chords:
- Gargle with salt water. Salt water can help to reduce swelling and irritation in the vocal cords. To make a salt water gargle, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
- Use a hot compress. Applying a hot compress to your throat can help to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. To make a hot compress, soak a cloth in hot water and then apply it to your throat for 15-20 minutes.
- Use a cold compress. Applying a cold compress to your throat can help to reduce swelling and pain. To make a cold compress, place an ice pack or frozen gel pack on your throat for 15-20 minutes.
- Take vocal cord rest. Vocal cord rest can help to give your vocal cords time to heal. This means avoiding all unnecessary talking, singing, or shouting. You should also avoid activities that put strain on your vocal cords, such as running or lifting heavy objects.
- Do vocal exercises. Vocal exercises can help to strengthen your vocal cords and improve their function. There are many different types of vocal exercises, so you should find ones that work best for you.
- See a voice therapist. A voice therapist can help you to develop a healthy voice and avoid vocal cord problems in the future.