Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) generally caused by a virus, bacteria or straining the voice. Symptoms include pain, coughing and hoarseness. In children laryngitis may manifest as croup. If voice loss persists for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.

Treatment - Practical Advice

Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils of sandalwood and lavender are soothing and can be used in a gargle by adding 1 drop of each to half a glass of warm water. Add2 drops of lemon or peppermint if you have an infection.

Herbal

Decoction of echinacea is effective against viral and bacterial attacks of laryngitis: put 2 teaspoons of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 3 times daily.

Homeopathy

To be taken hourly for 4 doses and repeated if necessary:

Barking cough, with burning and irritation in the larynx, after getting chilled: Aconite 6c. Stringy yellow catarrh, metallic sounding cough and husky voice with raw pain; Kali bichromicum 6c. Burning pain, tightness in the chest and hoarseness eased by eating ice cream: Phosphorus 6c. Laryngitis from overuse of the voice, splinter-like pains on swallowing: Argentum nitricum 6c.

Chinese Medicine

This condition is seen to result from heat and poison in the lungs. Treatment would be with honeysuckle flowers, peppermint and liquorice.

Hydrotherapy

Steam inhalations will help soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the larynx. Fill a basin with boiling water and sit or stand with your head over it and a towel over your head to trap the steam, inhale deeply.

Orthodox

Antibiotics to reduce infection and steam inhalations are the mainstay of treatment. Long-term hoarseness (more than 4 weeks) requires examination by a specialist to rule out more serious abnormalities.