Laryngitis
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- What is laryngitis?
- Symptoms of laryngitis
- Causes of laryngitis
- Prevention of laryngitis
- Risk factors for laryngitis
- Complications of laryngitis
- When to see a doctor about laryngitis
- Diagnosis of laryngitis
- Conventional treatment of laryngitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of laryngitis
- Living with laryngitis
- Caring for someone with laryngitis
Alternative/complementary treatment of laryngitis
There are a number of alternative/complementary treatments which are recommended for the treatment of acute laryngitis especially, but also for chronic laryngitis. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor before trying any of the alternative/complementary treatments advised:
Herbs
There are a number of excellent herbs which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Echinacea - studies show that the anti-viral properties of the echinacea herb help to clear up respiratory infections more quickly and reduce severity of symptoms
- Elderflower - studies show that the anti-viral properties of elderflower can help reduce severity and length of symptoms by boosting the immune system to fight the viral infection causing the laryngitis
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Bioflavonoids - studies show the antioxidant properties the bioflavonoids, together with vitamin C, help the body heal more quickly as they provide a boost to the immune system
- Vitamin A - studies show the potent antioxidant properties of vitamin A help the body heal more quickly by boosting the immune system. Vitamin A also helps to ensure the mucous membranes are more soft, pliable and healthy, which is vital for healing the larynx
- Vitamin B complex - the B vitamins are required to stimulate the immune system to function more effectively and studies show that this can assist with shortening the length and severity of laryngitis
- Vitamin C - studies show that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C, together with the bioflavonoids, help the body heal more quickly as they provide a boost to the immune system
- Vitamin E - studies show the potent antioxidant properties of vitamin E help the body heal more quickly by providing a huge boost to the immune system to help it deal with and heal the laryngitis more quickly
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Selenium - the antioxidant mineral selenium is recommended to boost the immune system and help to reduce severity and duration of symptoms, enabling the body to heal more quickly from laryngitis
- Zinc - studies show that zinc assists with reducing the length and severity of symptoms in all upper respiratory disorders, including laryngitis
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Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Coenzyme Q10 - the nutrient co-enzyme Q10 helps to increase immune system function and exchange of energy at the cellular level
- Garlic - many studies show that the anti-viral properties of garlic may help to reduce severity and duration of symptoms
- Raw honey - honey is very soothing on the throat and can temporarily reduce sore throat symptoms
Dietary modifications
There are a number of dietary modification strategies which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Eat more vegetables - the nutrients in the vegetables are beneficial in supporting the body to heal more quickly. It is recommended to eat the vegetables either raw or lightly steamed to get the most benefits
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modifications which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Avoid clearing the throat - this practice does harm to the throat and is especially irritating when there is a laryngitis infection so if the throat is irritated, have some fluid and this will help
- Drink plenty of fluids - ensure the throat is well hydrated with diluted juice, herbal tea (such as diluted chamomile, peppermint or rose hip teas) or water, to help hydrate the larynx and ensure it heals more quickly
- Humidifier (or vaporiser) - a humidifier (or vaporiser) either with just plain hot water, that produces steam or with a few drops of eucalyptus oil may help to clear up symptoms by providing more moisture and reducing the irritation to the larynx
- Painkillers - the doctor will recommend you take painkillers as required for any pain in the throat area (such as paracetemol, ibuprofen)
- Rest your voice - not talking helps the larynx heal itself and this is the best strategy which is most beneficial in ensuring quicker healing and a return of the voice
- Steam inhalation - a few drops of eucalyptus oil or Vicks may help to clear up symptoms by providing more moisture and reducing the irritation to the larynx
- Stop smoking - smoking causes more strain on the voice and larynx and is especially not recommended in the case of laryngitis
Alternative treatments
- Naturopath - people with laryngitis should visit a naturopath who can devise an alternative/complementary health care plan (which should be done in conjunction with your doctor's knowledge) to help reduce symptoms, improve the immune system and prevent recurrence
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.
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