Laryngitis
Definition of Laryngitis:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The voice box (larynx) is located at the top
of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When
the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause
hoarseness, and may sometimes block the airway.
Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in
the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness occur with swelling (inflammation) of
the larynx (laryngitis).
Hoarseness that continues for weeks or months
should be checked by a health care provider. Although some causes are minor,
more serious causes, such as laryngeal cancer are possible.
Common Causes:
The
most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus, such as cold
or flu viruses. It may also be caused by:
- Allergies
- Bacterial
infection
- Bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD)
- Injury
- Irritants
and chemicals
- Pneumonia
- Acid
reflux (gastroesophageal
reflux)
- Allergies
- Breathing
in irritating substances
- Cancer of
the throat or larynx
- Chroniccoughing
- Colds or
upper respiratory infections
- Heavy smoking
or drinking, especially together
- Overuse or
abuse of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
Laryngitis
often occurs with an upper respiratory infection
Several
forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to dangerous or fatal
respiratory blockage. These forms include:
Other
causes include:
- Aneurysms of the
upper aorta
- Breathing tube orbronchoscopy
- Damage to the nerves attached to
the voice
- Foreign object in the esophagus
or trachea
- Ingesting a harsh chemical liquid
- Puberty
- Thyroid or lung cancer
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Vocal cord nodules
- Weakness of muscles around the
voice box caused by nerve or muscle disorders
Laryngitis - Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made by learning the history of a cold followed by hoarseness. The throat usually appears red and somewhat swollen. Listening to the chest and back with a stethoscope may reveal some harsh wheezing sounds with inspiration (breathing in).
In long-standing (chronic laryngitis), tuberculosis may be suspected. Using a scope called a laryngoscope, examination of the airway will show redness, swelling, small bumps of tissue called nodules, and irritated pits in the tissue called ulcerations. Special skin testing (TB testing) will reveal that the individual has been exposed to the bacteria causing TB
Prognosis for laryngitis is excellent. Recovery is complete, and usually occurs within a week's time.
Laryngitis - Prevention
Prevention of laryngitis is the same as for any upper respiratory infections. The only way to even attempt to prevent such illnesses is by good hand washing, and by avoiding situations where one might come in contact with people who might be sick. However, even with relatively good hygiene practices, most people will get about five to six colds per year. It is unpredictable which of these may lead to laryngitis.
Homeopathic Remedies & Homeopathy Treatment for Laryngitis
Causticum. [Caust]
Hughes
says that there is no better remedy in catarrhal aphonia than Causticum. It has
dryness of the larynx and sensitiveness extending to the chest. There
is hoarseness with rawness and scraping in the chest under the middle of the
sternum, with a dry, hollow and unsatisfactory cough. It
finds a curative sphere in the hoarseness of speakers and singers, which is
worse mornings and much aggravated in cold weather. It is a paretic hoarseness
accompanied by a cough which does not seem sufficient to bring up the phlegm,
and in these cases the lower(30 or 200) potencies act well. In
chronic hoarseness Sulphur will sometimes act when Causticum fails. Arnica
has hoarseness from fatigue of the pharyngeal muscles, and a gargle of
arnicated water will often refresh and strengthen the throat after long
speaking and relieve the sense of thirst. The Causticum patient
will have such a complete loss of voice that he cannot speak aloud.
Phosphorus. [Phos]
Evening
hoarseness with great sensitiveness and dryness in the larynx is
characteristic of Phosphorus. It tires and hurts the patient to talk; the
voice is rough and hoarse, and the expectoration is scanty; using the voice
brings on the cough. The soreness of Phosphorus is in the larynx , with
Causticum it is under the sternum. In paralytic aphonia secondary to laryngeal
catarrhs Phosphorus and Rumex stand pre-eminent. Farrington
gives Ammonium causticum a first place in hoarseness associated with burning
and rawness in the larynx and pharynx.
Aconite.Nap. [Acon]
In the
beginning of a laryngitis in children there is no
better remedy than Aconite ; there is fever, chilliness, dry
skin and hoarseness and the patient will awaken at night with a croupy cough. Belladonna
has dryness, constriction, and soreness in the larynx, talking is painful and
the voice is husky and hoarse. Ivins claims that Ferrum phosphoricum, if
given early, is the only remedy needed; it certainly seems to control the
inflammatory condition and hold in check the progress of the disease. Meyhoffer
mentions Aesculus as a very useful remedy in catarrhal inflammation of
the larynx and pharynx. Houghton considers Ferrum phosphoricum as one of
the greatest of temporary voice toners; he says that it enables singers to
control the voice in its entire compass when suffering from hoarseness.
Hepar sulphur. [Hep]
Laryngitis
in children after exposure to dry, cold winds; there is a croupy
cough and hoarseness, worse mornings, the patient is very sensitive to the
slightest draft, the larynx is painful and dry. It is
also a remedy especially adapted to laryngeal troubles of professional
singers, and brilliant cures have been made with it.
Sulphur
corresponds to chronic cases, with morning loss of voice following suppression of
eruptions; voice is hoarse, rough and deep. Kali bichromicum has dryness of the
larynx; the voice is rough and hollow and the expectoration stringy.
Ivins
recommends the 12X. Arsenicum corresponds to laryngeal tuberculosis, with
ulceration and burning. Dr. Mitchell considers Hepar the most effective of all
remedies in chronic laryngitis. Its action is prompt in the hoarseness of
professional singers. Ipecac. Dr. Cartier advocates this remedy in complete
aphonia from a cold or congestion of the vocal chords claiming it to be
superior to Causticum in inflammatory aphonia. He uses
the 6 or 3X potencies every half hour until the voice returns. It has a
remarkable efficacy also in relieving hoarseness.
Spongia.
Besides the dry, harsh, barking, croupy cough and suffocative spells of this remedy it is useful in laryngeal phthisis with burning and stinging in the larynx and a sensation as if a plug were there, with great sensitiveness; swallowing is painful. Sambucus is useful for a spasm of the larynx occurring with laryngitis, and when oedema is present with difficult almost impossible respiration Apis will prove useful. Chlorine is, however, the specific for that dangerous condition known as oedema of the glottis. Drosera suits laryngeal phthisis with great hoarseness, excretion of tough mucus, paroxysmal cough after midnight. Both voice and cough have a deep bass trumpet sound. Verbascum is similar, but extends lower than the larynx. Iodine has great usefulness in the early stage of membraneous laryngitis; with fever, dry skin, dry cough, and great difficulty in respiration. It follows closely after Aconite.
Besides the dry, harsh, barking, croupy cough and suffocative spells of this remedy it is useful in laryngeal phthisis with burning and stinging in the larynx and a sensation as if a plug were there, with great sensitiveness; swallowing is painful. Sambucus is useful for a spasm of the larynx occurring with laryngitis, and when oedema is present with difficult almost impossible respiration Apis will prove useful. Chlorine is, however, the specific for that dangerous condition known as oedema of the glottis. Drosera suits laryngeal phthisis with great hoarseness, excretion of tough mucus, paroxysmal cough after midnight. Both voice and cough have a deep bass trumpet sound. Verbascum is similar, but extends lower than the larynx. Iodine has great usefulness in the early stage of membraneous laryngitis; with fever, dry skin, dry cough, and great difficulty in respiration. It follows closely after Aconite.
Arum triphyllum. [Arum-t]
For the hoarseness
of singers and orators there are a few remedies of great importance; among
them is Arum triphyllum. It is useful when the voice
suddenly gives out and goes to a higher key. A cracked voice from
overuse and hoarseness. Selenium is a remedy frequently necessary to clear the voice; it
has hoarseness appearing as soon as the patient commences to sing, or even
after long use of the voice; a characteristic is expectoration of much
transparent mucus from the larynx in the morning. Graphites has inability
to control the vocal cords, the patient gets hoarse and the voice cracks on
beginning to sing. a very useful remedy for singers. Argentum
metallicum has burning and rawness in the larynx, worse from talking and using
the voice, it is useful for an alteration in the timbre of the voice in
singers and speakers. It has copious exudation in the larynx looking like
boiled starch, which is easily hawked up. Benzoin IX was recommended by Dr. T.
F. Allen for hoarseness accompanied by a sensation of rawness extending from
the larynx to the pit of the throat, but not into the trachea. Mercurius
solubilis. Two doses a day is frequently specific in hoarseness. Baryta
carbonica has hoarseness, with great relaxation of the muscular structures of
the throat.
Carbo vegetabilis. [Carb-v]
This
remedy suits a painless hoarseness, particularly that which is
brought on by exposure to damp evening air. It is, of course, worse
evenings, though it may appear in the morning on walking, aggravated in moist,
cool weather.
Eupatorium
perfoliatum has hoarseness in the morning, with chest soreness and aching of
the body; a soreness and aching of the body; a soreness in the larynx rather
than a rawness.
Senega
is another useful remedy for hoarseness; the throat is so dry that it hurts the
patient to talk. It suits sudden aphonias and those accompanied by accumulation
of mucus on the chest which is difficult to raise.
Gelsemium
is the first remedy for aphonia from a laryngeal paralysis, or loss of voice
during menses, and hysterical hoarseness.
Nux
moschata has aphonia from hysteria or changing emotions. Opium has aphonia from
fright and Platinum should be considered in hysterical aphonia as well as in
any other hysterical conditions.
Plumbum
in old cases should not be forgotten. Gelsemium is, by the way, of great value
in laryngismus stridulus.
Natural
Remedies for Laryngitis
Laryngitis can usually be
treated with home remedies, including:
resting your voice
drinking at least eight glasses of water
daily
breathing humidified air
sucking on lozenges
If laryngitis
develops, drinking lots of fluids and using the voice as little as possible, by
whispering or not talking altogether, can help. In addition, room humidifiers
and hot showers can be of benefit. With or without treatment, laryngitis
usually subsides within 7 to 10 days.
Laryngitis in children and chronic laryngitis in adults may be symptomatic of other illnesses and should be evaluated by a doctor or healthcare professional.
Laryngitis - Alternative treatment
Alternative treatments include aromatherapy
inhalations made with benzoin, lavender, frankincense, thyme, and sandalwood.
Decoctions (extracts made by boiling an herb in water) or infusions (extracts
made by steeping an herb in boiling water) can be made with red sage (Salvia
officinalis var. rubra) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or with licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra). These are used for gargling, and are said to reduce pain.
Echinacea ( Echinacea spp.) tincture taken in water every hour for 48 hours is
recommended to boost the immune system. Antiviral herbs, including usnea (Usnea
spp.), lomatium (Lomatium dissectum), and ligusticum (Ligusticum porteri), may
help hasten recovery from laryngitis. Homeopathic remedies are recommended
based on the patient's symptoms. Some people may get relief from placing cold
compresses on the throat.

Natural Home Remedies
for Laryngitis
Home
Remedies From the Cupboard
Salt. A saltwater gargle helps
heal infected and inflamed vocal cords and sore throats. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt
to 1 cup warm water and gargle several times a day as needed. Be careful to use
the correct amount of salt. Gargling with a solution as salty as the sea will
only increase the irritation.
Vinegar. Viruses and bacteria
dread an acidic environment, so why not make your mouth one big, albeit weak,
acid bath? Gargling with vinegar, a weak acid, can help wipe out many
infectious organisms. Pour equal amounts of vinegar and water into a cup, mix,
and gargle two to four times a day. You can also gargle with straight vinegar,
but some people find it too strong, especially at first.
Home Remedies From the Refrigerator
Lemon. Some folk remedies
require you to suck on a lemon to cure a sore throat. An impossible task,
indeed! Spare yourself the face-contorting agony and try a lemon juice and salt
gargle instead. Lemon is naturally acidic and helps stimulate saliva flow. The
salt increases the lemon's acidity, which in turn helps kill many
microorganisms prone to weak acids. To make this gargle, juice a whole lemon
into a bowl and add a pinch of sea salt (or regular salt). Mix well. Add 1
teaspoon of the concentrated lemon/salt mixture to 1 cup warm water. Gargle
three to four times a day as needed. Also try hot tea with lemon, or even
lemon drops, to keep your throat moist.
Home Remedies From the Sink
Soap and water. Laryngitis can be caused
by a viral infection and is easily spread by hand-to-hand contact or by
touching contaminated surfaces. Avoiding such germs is one of the best ways to
prevent laryngitis. If you or someone around you has a cold, be extra vigilant
about washing your hands with warm water and soap. Clean common surfaces, such
as the telephone and door handles, with vinegar and a clean cloth.
Water. Keep the throat moistened
and stay hydrated by drinking your daily amount of water (eight 8-ounce glasses
per day). Fruit juices also fit the bill, as do warm, noncaffeinated drinks,
which may feel extra-soothing on sore throat tissues.
Home Remedies From the Spice Rack
Garlic. Should you have a strong
stomach and no social events to attend, try what the Amish and Seventh Day
Adventists suggest for treating sore throats and viral infections: Suck on a
slice of garlic. Garlic, when sliced or crushed, releases the antimicrobial
substance allicin. Allicin kills bacteria, including strep and some viruses.
Slice a garlic clove down the middle and place half a clove on each side of the
mouth. Pretend the cloves are lozenges and suck on them. Use as often as
necessary, or as often as you can handle garlic breath.
Ginger. Fragrant, fresh ginger
can help soothe inflamed mucous membranes of the larynx. Try sucking on candied
ginger if available or drink a cup of ginger tea. To prepare the tea, cut a
fresh 1- to 2-inch gingerroot into thin slices and place in 1 quart boiling water.
Cover the pot and simmer on the lowest heat for 30 minutes. Let cool for 30
more minutes, strain, and drink 1/2 to 1 cup three to five times a day. Sweeten
with honey if needed.
Steam. Dry indoor air, so common
in the wintertime, combined with an irritated throat can make you extra
miserable. Start the day off steamy. Bring half a pot of water to boil, remove
from stove, and place on a protected surface. Drape a towel over your head,
lean forward over the pot, and breathe gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Be careful
not to stick your face too close. Repeat in the evening before bedtime.
While
laryngitis typically isn't a sign of any serious medical problem, you'll be
better off taking care of it sooner than later, with help from the home
remedies in this article.
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loss of voice remedy
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