/
/
/
What Is the Larynx, and How Does It Affect Voice and Breathing?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Question #15380
162 days ago
282

What Is the Larynx, and How Does It Affect Voice and Breathing? - #15380

Brooklyn

I recently started learning about the larynx, and I was surprised to find out that it plays a crucial role in both voice production and breathing. From what I understand, the larynx (also known as the voice box) is located in the throat and contains the vocal cords, but how exactly does it function in speech and respiration? I read that the larynx helps control airflow to the lungs and allows us to speak by vibrating the vocal cords. But what happens when the larynx is damaged due to infections, smoking, or injuries? Can it permanently affect a person’s ability to talk or breathe properly? One thing that concerns me is laryngeal diseases like laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, and even laryngeal cancer. What are the early symptoms of larynx disorders, and when should someone seek medical attention? Are there any Ayurvedic treatments or natural remedies that help protect larynx health and prevent voice strain or infections? I’ve heard that honey, mulethi (licorice), and warm turmeric milk are beneficial for soothing the throat—do these actually work for larynx health? If anyone has had larynx-related issues, what symptoms did you experience first, and what treatments helped restore your voice and breathing?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Thank you for sharing your concerns. The larynx plays a vital role in both breathing and voice production. It contains the vocal cords, which vibrate as air passes through to produce sound. It also acts as a protective structure to keep food and liquids from entering the lungs during swallowing. When the larynx is damaged from infections, smoking, or injuries, it can lead to hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or even voice loss. In some cases, chronic damage can permanently affect voice quality or breathing, especially if scarring or vocal cord paralysis occurs. Early symptoms of laryngeal disorders can include: Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than two weeks Chronic throat clearing or a lump-in-throat sensation Pain or discomfort while speaking Breathing difficulties or noisy breathing (stridor) Persistent cough or sore throat You should seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are persistent, especially if there is difficulty breathing or a history of smoking, as these can signal more serious conditions like vocal cord nodules or laryngeal cancer. Natural remedies like honey, mulethi (licorice), and turmeric may help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Honey has antimicrobial properties, and licorice root is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Warm turmeric milk may help with irritation and support immunity. However, these remedies are supportive and should not replace medical evaluation for persistent symptoms. For larynx health, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and minimize throat strain. If symptoms persist, a thorough examination by an ENT specialist may be necessary to assess the vocal cords and airway health. Early intervention can help restore normal voice and breathing functions.
11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
161 days ago
4.83
The larynx plays a vital role in both speech and breathing. It regulates airflow to the lungs and produces sound by vibrating the vocal cords when air passes through them. Damage to the larynx from infections, smoking, or injury can impair voice quality and breathing, potentially causing hoarseness, pain, or even difficulty breathing in severe cases. Early signs of laryngeal issues may include persistent hoarseness, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or pain while speaking. If symptoms persist for more than a week, medical attention is advisable. Ayurvedic remedies like honey and mulethi (licorice) are well-known for soothing the throat, reducing inflammation, and supporting vocal cord health. Warm turmeric milk can also help reduce inflammation and improve overall throat health. Regular use of these remedies can be beneficial for preventing strain, but it's important to avoid overuse of the voice and maintain hydration. If symptoms persist, it's crucial to seek professional guidance for further diagnosis and treatment.
13739 answered questions
68% best answers

0 replies
The larynx, or voice box, truly is a fascinating part of our body that's crucial for both speech and breathing. It's located in your throat and contains the vocal cords. When you speak, air from your lungs passes through the larynx, making the vocal cords vibrate to produce sound. It's kind of like the strings of a guitar being strummed. For breathing, the larynx acts as a valve that opens and closes to adjust the flow of air to the lungs, which is pretty essential for normal breathing. If it's damaged—due to laryngitis, smoking, or injury, for example—it can indeed mess with your voice and breathing. Laryngitis might make your voice hoarse or whispery, and if there are nodules or growths like in laryngeal cancer, it could potentially block the airway, making breathing hard. If you notice consistent symptoms like persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck, it's time to see a doctor. Not just these, persistent cough or sore throat can also be early signs to be aware of. Ayurveda offers some soothing approaches for maintaining larynx health. Things like honey, which is naturally soothing, can help coat the throat, and yes, mulethi (licorice) is great for reducing inflammation and soothing the vocal cords—just chew on a small piece. Warm turmeric milk can provide comfort, too, because turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties. Just remember, don’t go overboard with any of these, and they work best for mild conditions. To care for larynx, hydrate well, avoid smoking, and rest your voice when needed. Perform regular Pranayama (breathing exercises) which can support respiratory health and aid in keeping the larynx in shape. If the symptoms persist, consulting with health profesionals is vital. It's all about finding balance and listening to your body. Health first, always!
26385 answered questions
18% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions