Home Remedies and Herbs for Laryngitis

Laryngitis is a condition where the larynx or voice box becomes inflamed and causes the voice to be distorted from its normal tone. Most cases of laryngitis are acute, or sudden and temporary. Occasionally, laryngitis can be chronic or long term and symptomatic of damage to the vocal cords.^{1 2} The larynx is a tube-like structure in the throat found at the entrance to the windpipe or trachea. The larynx lump on the exterior of the throat is called the Adam’s apple. It’s generally more pronounced or larger in men and explains why men’s voices are usually deeper than women.² The larynx has three main functions:²

• It channels oxygen through the windpipe to the lungs
• It acts as a valve that closes the trachea when swallowing
• It contains vocal cords that produce the human voice

Inside the larynx are two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. These are the vocal cords. In normal operation, the vocal cords open and close smoothly forming sounds through their vibration and movement. When the vocal cords are inflamed and swollen, their tone changes and the voice becomes hoarse. Some cases of laryngitis result in the voice becoming a whisper or barely audible at all.¹ Laryngitis is almost always temporary and caused by acute conditions. Laryngitis lasting longer than 3 weeks is considered chronic and may be indicative of a serious issue. Acute laryngitis can easily be treated by resting the voice and with laryngitis home remedies. Chronic laryngitis may require medical intervention.^{1 2 3}

What Causes Laryngitis

• Viral infections similar to those causing a common cold
• Vocal strain from overuse by shouting, yelling or singing
• Bacterial infections

• Vocal cord injuries like sports contact or damage to the throat
• Polyps or nodules growing on the larynx
• Throat cancer
• Inhaled chemical or volatile organic irritants
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Habitual voice overuse like singers and cheerleaders
• Chronic sinusitis
• Parasite infestation
• Stroke or paralysis
• Bowing of vocal cords in old age
• Acid reflux or GERD
• Upper respiratory disease like COPD or bronchitis

Laryngitis Symptoms

The primary laryngitis symptoms are a change in voice such as hoarseness, high pitch, whispering or being barely audible. Rarely does the voice disappear completely. Other laryngitis symptoms include:^{1 2 3}

• Constant urge to clear the throat
• Excessive coughing
• Tickling, itchiness and rawness in the throat
• Persistent swallowing
• Watery mouth or drooling
• Dry mouth, throat and cough

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/basics/definition/con-20021565
2. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laryngitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/laryngitis