 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- 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
There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help deal with laryngitis:
- Don't smoke - smoking causes more strain on the voice, vocal chords and larynx and is especially not recommended in the case of laryngitis. The same applies for second-hand smoke - stay away from it
- Gargle with salt - this is a very simple, but very effective remedy for reducing inflammation and pain in the throat, which has been used for centuries. Simply add some sea salt to warm water, melt the salt and add some cold water until the water is lukewarm. Drink some water and gargle for a few seconds and then spit out the water. Repeat several times with the water. Repeat this a few times a day for quick relief of throat pain associated with laryngitis
- Garlic and honey - a great remedy to make at home is to grate or crush several cloves of garlic and add them to a small cup. Then add some raw honey and mix through. Take a teaspoon of this garlic and honey mixture every hour or whenever symptoms are severe - it can just be swallowed quickly as it may not be the tastiest mixture. This mixture can be slightly heated to make it more runny
- Herbal tea - there are several herbal teas which may help to reduce severity and duration of symptoms, so are recommended for any type of respiratory condition. The best herbal teas to use are: chamomile, elderberry flower, peppermint, rosehip (or a combination of all of the teas). The warmth of the hot tea will help to soothe the irritation in the throat and the healing properties of the herbs will provide a boost to help the body heal the larynx
Advertisement
- Honey - raw honey is very soothing on the throat and helps reduce the irritation and hoarseness symptoms associated with laryngitis. A teaspoon of honey every few hours can help to reduce symptoms
- 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
- 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
- Rest the voice - one of the best ways to help the larynx heal itself is to completely rest the voice and not talk at all. Talking will irritate the larynx even more and will prolong the time it takes to heal from the laryngitis
- Painkillers - your doctor will recommend the best painkiller for you if the symptoms get worse and cause pain in the throat from the laryngitis. The most common painkillers recommended are: Ibuprofen and Paracetemol
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
