Daily Dose: How to recover your voice after an upper respiratory infection

Losing your voice due to an upper respiratory infection is common and typically temporary, according to Dr. Lacy Anderson in today’s Daily Dose.

Viral infections can cause swelling of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or voice loss. Other potential causes include vocal strain, allergies, and acid reflux.

Dr. Anderson recommends resting your voice, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier at night. If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks, a doctor may prescribe steroids. Cases lasting over a month, especially for smokers, should be evaluated for serious conditions like tumors or nerve compression from lung cancer.

For voice changes due to acid reflux, a short course of over-the-counter reflux medication may help. Most cases resolve on their own with time and care.