Conditions

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, or voice box. This inflammation results in irritation and swelling of the larynx and the surrounding area. It can cause the voice to become hoarse or to disappear altogether. Acute laryngitis is most common in late fall, winter, and early spring. In general, it resolves within one or two weeks, with or without treatment. The chronic form is often associated with such irritants as cigarette smoke and industrial fumes, however, other allergens may play a part.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Unnatural change in the voice
• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Tickling, scratchiness, and rawness in the throat
• A constant urge to clear the throat
• Fever may occur in more severe cases
• Difficulty breathing if the larynx is swollen

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will look at your throat and check for swelling. He or she may do a throat culture to rule out strep throat or other bacterial infections.

Treatment Options:

Depending on the cause of the laryngitis, treatment can vary from resting the voice to treatments for a bacterial infection.

Traditional Treatments:

• Antibiotics are used to treat laryngitis cases caused by bacterial infections.
• Viral infections are not curable and have to run their course. Your doctor may recommend a course of over-the-counter treatments to help keep you comfortable. These may include a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Chloraseptic, an oral anesthetic and antiseptic, may be recommended to help relieve the pain.
• Irritants cause some cases of laryngitis. These can include - over use, cigarette smoking, or chemical fumes. The best treatment in these cases is to rest the voice and avoid all irritants.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Alternative therapies are often the most effective treatment for laryngitis.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Vitamin C is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of buffered vitamin-C powder in 8 ounces of water and sip this throughout the day. Do this for the first forty-eight hours.
• Bioflavonoids help to ease inflammation in the throat and fight infection. Take 500 mg of mixed bioflavonoids three or four times a day for the first three to four days.
• Sugar-free herbal-based lozenges fortified with vitamin C or zinc, a mineral that speeds healing, are very helpful. Lozenges increase saliva production and help soothe a dry, irritated throat. Take one lozenge every hour, as needed, up to one week.
• A B-complex can enhance immune function, especially during stress. Follow label directions.

Alternative Therapies:

• Echinacea and goldenseal stimulate the immune system and are important for helping to clear any kind of infection. Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula supplying 250 to 500 mg of echinacea and 250 to 500 mg of goldenseal every two hours during the acute phase. Then cut back to one dose three times a day for up to one week.
• Elderberry extract works well against viruses.
• Garlic is an antibacterial and supports the immune system.
• Grapefruit-seed extract can be taken internally or used as a gargle.
• Olive leaf extract is an excellent antibacterial and antiviral agent.
• Drink an herbal sore-throat tea containing: slippery elm bark, hyssop, licorice root and sage.
  Warning: Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than five days at a time, as it can elevate blood pressure. Do not use licorice at all if you have high blood pressure.
• The following gargles may be beneficial: Laryngitis gargle: Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), sage (Salvia officinalis), and marigold (Calendula officinalis) are soothing and anti-inflammatory herbs. Antimicrobial gargle: Coneflower, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), and myrrh (Commiphora molmol) are antibacterial and immune-stimulating herbs. Pain relief gargle: Propolis, peppermint (Mentha piperita), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis) are antimicrobial and anodyne herbs.

General Recommendations:

• Rest your voice.
• Avoid irritants such as smoke, chemicals, or dry air.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Warnings:

Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than five days at a time, as it can elevate blood pressure. Do not use licorice at all if you have high blood pressure.