Laryngitis is an inflammation of the linings of the larynx or voice box. In normal condition your vocal cords open and close smoothly, forming sounds through their movement and vibration, but in the case of laryngitis, your vocal cords become inflamed or irritated. The inflammation causes distortion of the sounds produced by air passing over them. As a result, your voice sounds hoarse. Laryngitis is usually triggered by temporary viral infection or vocal strain and in most cases laryngitis last only a few days.

Types of Laryngitis:

• Acute laryngitis this type is usually caused by irritation resulting from smoke inhalation or exposure to other irritants in the air, excessive smoking, injury to the vocal cords, or overuse of the vocal cords, example of this is during prolong period of singing, shouting during sports events.
• Chronic laryngitis this type can occur with certain infections, such as leprosy and syphilis, or as a result of repeated irritation, as with a heavy smoker or a singer and or announcer who is always talking for a long period. Occasionally, laryngitis is caused by an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of Acute laryngitis:

• Hoarseness of brief duration
• Swelling of the vocal-cord and impingement of the airway, causing difficulty in breathing. This is likely to occur in an acute allergic reaction with swelling of the larynx, in a severe acute infection, or with severe exposure to irritants.

Symptoms of Chronic laryngitis:

• Hoarseness of long duration
• Chronic hoarseness is frequently an early symptom of cancer of the vocal cords, so it is important to have yourself examine by your doctor when you have this symptom.

Treatments:

• Rest of the voice, inhalation of steam, and use of muscle-relaxant drug if there is spasm of the muscles within the voice box.
• Occasionally, swelling of the vocal-cord and impingement of the airway needs an operation, called tracheotomy, to open the trachea and assure passage of air.

Recommended Natural Treatments:

• Drink plenty of water to wash out any bacterial action in the throat.
• Licorice supplement, anti-inflammatory, stimulates the formation of antibodies and immune system defenses.
• Bee Pollen, it helps to strengthen the body against allergies.
• Bee Propolis and Garlic, natural antibiotic, kills bacteria and virus and strengthen the immune system.
• Beta carotene and Vitamin E, these vitamins are indispensable for the health of the mucous membrane.
• Vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant which strengthens the immune system.