Published on: 9/30/2024
There is no proven way to reliably cure a hoarse voice overnight.
Many cases of temporary hoarseness occur due to inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords. It often takes up to 1 to 2 weeks for the swelling of the vocal cords to improve, but by being mindful of the following things, it may be possible to shorten the recovery period. If persistent, seek further medical evaluation as there may be other causes that need specific treatments.
Raising your voice or talking for long periods can cause irritation to your vocal cords and lead to ongoing inflammation. While it may not be realistic to avoid speaking altogether, try to rest your voice as much as possible.
Moistening the throat is effective in treating hoarseness. Try to prevent the throat from drying out by using a mask or humidifier, and by frequently taking in fluids.
(References)
Reiter R, Hoffmann TK, Pickhard A, Brosch S. Hoarseness-causes and treatments. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015 May 8;112(19):329-37. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2015.0329. PMID: 26043420; PMCID: PMC4458789.
House SA, Fisher EL. Hoarseness in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Dec 1;96(11):720-728. PMID: 29431404.
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Kenji Taylor, MD
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