Laryngitis

The most common cause of laryngitis is an infection with one of the viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections. Less commonly, it may be caused by bacterial infection, or may be a symptom of another infection (e.g. measles, mumps or chicken pox), or an autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis).

Other causes may include irritation of the larynx due to:

• Over-using the voice (e.g. singing or yelling loudly or for long periods)
• Cigarette smoke or other inhaled toxins (e.g. air pollution)
• Use of asthma inhalers
• Gastric acids in reflux disease.

The loss of voice occurs because when the voice box becomes inflamed, the vocal chords are unable to vibrate as they usually do, and consequently are incapable of producing sound, or can only produce limited sounds.

• Lozenges containing echinacea, vitamin C and eucalyptus oil help soothe and relieve sore throat. The eucalyptus oil provides a cooling effect on the throat, and helps clear any nasal congestion.
• In clinical studies, andrographis has been shown to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections such as throat infections and the common cold. It is considered particularly effective for sore throats, and also helps to alleviate other symptoms, such as runny nose, fatigue, and nasal discharges.
• Echinacea helps support the immune system and may assist the body in fighting infections.
• Echinacea is often taken with antioxidant nutrients that also support the immune system, such as betacarotene, vitamins C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium.
  

• Laryngitis normally resolves within a short time, but you may exacerbate your lost voice by continuing to try to talk normally while you’ve got it. If you need to speak, you’ll do least damage to your voice by using a soft, sighing voice. Don’t whisper, as it may aggravate the larynx further.
• Don’t smoke while you have laryngitis. It will only delay your recovery. If you have reflux, it may also increase stomach acidity and aggravate your digestive symptoms.
• The use of a humidifier or the inhalation of steam may help to clear mucus from the airways.
• Gargles made with sage or thyme herbal teas are traditional remedies for laryngitis and other throat conditions. To make the gargle, pour 100 mL of boiling water over half a teaspoon of either herb. Cover, and allow it to steep until it cools enough to use as a gargle. Strain the tea and use as a gargle several times a day, making a fresh batch every time.
• If your laryngitis is caused by reflux, changing your diet to one based on smaller meals and excluding any aggravating foods can go a long way towards relieving the digestive problems. In particular, avoid spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, mint, tomato sauce and carbonated beverages. It may also be worthwhile to elevate the head of your bed by a few inches so that gravity helps prevent food moving upwards from the stomach to the oesophagus.
  

• Consult your health care professional if your laryngitis lasts for more than three weeks.
• If you use your voice professionally, it may be beneficial to have vocal therapy or training in order to learn to use your voice without straining your vocal chords.