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Cures for Hoarseness Caused by Mold

Allergic reactions caused by exposure to mold can lead to hoarseness, an abnormality that causes the voice to sound breathy, raspy or strained. Hoarseness occurs when the vocal cords become irritated and inflamed, often resulting in discomfort and mild to severe throat pain. Several home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of hoarseness, but in line with the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, limiting exposure to mold is the best course of action.

  1. Treating Symptoms

    • According to the U.S. Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, hoarseness is resistant to medical therapy and therefore best treated via rest and time. The condition is exacerbated by crying, shouting and excessive talking, whispering or singing, the government agencies note. Contrary to popular belief, gargling will not help, but a vaporizer might offer relief. To keep your voice healthy, the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery recommends that you drink plenty of water, rest the voice and refrain from smoking. People with prolonged or repeated bouts of hoarseness should see an otolaryngologist for complete examination of the ear, nose and throat.

    Preventing Reoccurrence

    • Both indoor and outdoor molds contain allergens and often produce musty odors that may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. If the mold is airborne, stay indoors as much as possible when spore counts are high. The National Allergy Bureau maintains and monitors pollen- and mold-counting stations across the United States, and daily counts are often published in local newspapers on the weather page. For indoor mold, the Environmental Protection Agency suggests finding the source of the mold and removing it. Ridding the home of mold requires eliminating sources of moisture that the mold needs to survive. EPA-recommended measures to reduce indoor humidity include venting moisture-generating sources to the outside and increasing ventilation throughout the home. In addition to hoarseness, the EPA notes that long-term exposure to mold can cause serious health problems, especially for infants and young children.

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