Hoarseness

Introduction
Hoarseness is very common and usually results from a viral infection causing inflammation of the throat and voicebox.

Symptoms
Often the throat is a bit sore and the onset is quite sudden.

Treatment: What you can do for yourself
In most cases this will settle quickly with voice rest. Avoid talking. Do not smoke and avoid smoky rooms. Avoid aerosols and air-fresheners. Do not clear the throat, if it tickles, drink something. Any discomfort can be soothed by drinking something warm. Try regular steam inhalations. Gargling with hot salty water or strong soluble Aspirin solution (300mg x 3) or soluble paracetamol (500mg x 2) every four hours can help.

Contact your doctor if:

• Hoarseness persists for 10 days.
• Apart from the hoarseness, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing your saliva.

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