| Laryngitis | |||||
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- What is laryngitis?
- Symptoms of laryngitis
- Causes of laryngitis
- Treatment of laryngitis
- Important laryngitis facts
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (or voice box) and usually produces an inability to talk, with a hoarseness in the voice.
The larynx is the entry to the trachea (windpipe) which joins the back of the thoat (pharynx) to the trachea.
The larynx is made up of muscle and cartilage tissue and it also has 2-3 membranes across it - the vocal chords - which are responsible for your voice. Any and all of these membranes can become inflamed during a bout of laryngitis.
Most cases of laryngitis are not serious and will resolve quickly. Some causes of it are serious and require medical attention.
Laryngitis is either:
- Acute - usually due to a viral infection and is short term
- Chronic - usually due to other factors and is long term
- Congestion
- Dry cough (does not produce any mucous)
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Inability to talk
- Sore throat
The main cause of laryngitis is:
- Viral respiratory infection
Laryngitis can also be caused by the following conditions:
- Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Cold
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Flu
- Gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Overstraining the voice by singing or shouting
- Pneumonia
- Polyps (nodules on the vocal chords)
Some other reasons for laryngitis need further investigation (or even immediate medical attention):
- Chemicals
- Croup - in children, requires medical attention
- Epiglotitis - in children, requires medical attention
- Irritants
- Smoking
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
Diagnosis and testing
Laryngitis is initially diagnosed by a doctor through the following methods:
- History of symptoms - your doctor will ask a series of questions about the symptoms
- Physical examination - the throat will be examined
If symptoms persist, a referral to an ear, nose and thoat (ENT) specialist who may do further examinations and tests:
- Laryngoscopy - test is performed by the ENT specialist (or even regular doctor) to get a better of the view the larynx with a tubespecial mirror and light that is put into the back of the throat
- Biopsy - if the laryngitis does not improve and symptoms get worse, some cells can be taken of the larynx to be examined under a microscope for malignacy (or other problems)
Conventional treatment
Treatment depends on the type of laryngitis:
- Acute laryngitis - as this is normally caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot help as they do nothing to viruses, so treatment is based on alleviating symptoms
- Avoid clearning the throat - this practice does harm to the throat and is especially irritating when there is a laryngitis infection
- Drink plenty of fluids - more juice, tea and water will help to hydrate the larynx and help it heal
- Painkillers - take painkillers as required (paracetemol, ibuprofen)
- Rest your voice - not talking helps the larynx heal itself
- Steam inhalation - a few drops of eucalyptus oil or vicks and inhalation of the steam will help
- Stop smoking - smoking causes more strain on the voice and is especially not recommended in the case of laryngitis
- Vaporiser (or humidifier) - either with just plain steam or with eucalyptus oil to help clear up symptoms
- Chronic laryngitis - there are various reasons for this condition and treatment depends on the cause
- Allergies - anthistamines for the allergies
- Bronchitis - same as the treatment for acute laryngitis
- GERD - medication to reduce acid reflux
- Irritants - avoid irritants
- Polyps - rest, painkiller and surgery to remove polyps if necessary
- Smoking - stop smoking
Alternative / complementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
- Diet - certain dietary changes may help with some of the symptoms
- Eat more vegetables - the nutrients in the vegetables are beneficial in supporting the body to heal more quickly
- Herbs - various herbs have a protective and supportive effect on the larynx and respiratory system
- Echinacea - some studies show that the anti-viral properties of this herb help to clear up respiratory infections more quickly
- Elderflower - studies show that elderflower can help reduce severity and length of symptoms
- Lifestyle factors - the conventional treatment should be followed as the same principles are advocated by alternative and complementary health care practitioners
- Minerals - the most important mineral for respiratory health is zinc
- Zinc - studies show zinc assists with reducing length and severity of symptoms in all upper respiratory disorders
- Nutrients - some nutrients help with reducing symptoms
- Coenzyme Q10 - increases immunity and exchange of energy at the cellular level
- Garlic - studies show that garlic's anti-viral properties may reduce severity of symptoms
- Raw honey - honey is soothing on the throat and can reduce sore throat symptoms
- Vitamins - the vitamins with antioxidant activity help with this condition
- Bioflavonoids - studies show the antioxidant properties of this vitamin, together with vitamin C, help the body heal more quickly
- Vitamin A - studies show the antioxidant properties of this vitamin help the body heal more quickly
- Vitamin B complex - the B vitamins are required to stimulate the immune system and studies show they can assist with shortening the disease
- Vitamin C - studies show the antioxidant properties of this vitamin, together with the bioflavonoids, help the body heal more quickly
- Vitamin E - studies show the antioxidant properties of this vitamin help the body heal more quickly
- Most cases of laryngitis resolve within a short time
- Laryngitis is usually caused by a virus which means antibiotics have no effect in treating it
- Smoking can cause chronic laryngitis
references
- Osiecki H. The Physicans Handbook of Clininical Nutrition, 6th Edition. Bioconcepts Publishing QLD, 2001
To learn more, go tothe Health First (ACT) web site
