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Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which results in irritation and swelling of the larynx and the surrounding area. It can cause the voice to become hoarse or to disappear altogether.
Incidence; Causes & Development
Acute laryngitis is most common in late fall, winter, and early spring.
The chronic form is often associated with such irritants as cigarette smoke and industrial fumes. Other allergens may play a part too.
Signs & 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 in some more severe cases; Difficulty breathing if the larynx is swollen.
Treatment & Prevention
Depending on the cause of the laryngitis, treatment can vary from resting the voice to treatments of a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are used to treat laryngitis cases caused by bacterial infections. Viral infections are not curable and have to run their course. Irritants cause some cases of laryngitis. These can include - talking or shouting excessively, cigarette smoking, chemical fumes. The best treatment in these cases is to rest the voice and avoid all irritants.
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.
Prognosis
In general, laryngitis resolves within one or two weeks, with or without treatment.
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Recommendations and treatments for Laryngitis: | | | | | Botanical |  Frankincense | Breathing the vapors or swallowing small amounts of frankincense may help restore your voice when it has been lost due to overuse. |
 Garlic
Olive Leaf Extract| | Olive leaf extract is an excellent antibacterial and antiviral agent. |
Grapefruit Seed Extract| | Grapefruit-seed extract can be taken internally or used as a gargle. |
Elderberry / Sambucol| | Elderberry extract works well against viruses. |
Licorice Root| | Drink an herbal sore-throat tea containing slippery elm bark, hyssop, licorice root and sage. |
Goldenseal
Echinacea (Coneflower)| | Echinacea and golden seal 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 250-500mg of echinacea and 250-500mg of goldenseal every two hours during the acute phase. Then cut back to one dose three times a day for up to one week. |
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Mineral |
Zinc| | 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, for up to one week. |
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Physical Medicine |
Steam / Spray Treatments |
Vitamins |
Vitamin B-Complex| | A B-complex can enhance immune function, especially during times of stress. |
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Bioflavonoids| | Bioflavonoids help to ease inflammation in the throat and fight infection. Take 500mg of mixed bioflavonoids three or four times a day for the first three to four days. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Allergen (Allergens)
A substance that is capable of producing an allergic response in the body.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx, usually implying hoarseness or aphonia.
Larynx (Laryngeal, Voice Box)
The short passageway shaped like a triangle that is just below the pharyx in the neck.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Propolis
A resinous, waxy material collected by bees from the buds of trees.
Saliva (Salivary)
The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food and moistens the oral walls.
Teaspoon (Teaspoons, tsp)
Equivalent to 5cc (5ml).
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Last updated: Nov 08, 2009
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