Laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx. Since this pathology affects the vocal cords, it leads to an alteration of the voice and sometimes respiratory discomfort. Most often of viral origin, laryngitis can also be bacterial or allergic. Laryngitis, can be caused by a sudden change in temperature due to air conditioning or untolerated moist cold. All factors that alter the air can also be the cause of this pathology. This is the case with pollution, smoke, dust, etc. Alcohol and tobacco are also factors that can develop laryngitis.
The people most prone to laryngitis are children between the ages of 1 and 6. And when they are victims of this disease, they must be subject to special monitoring, especially in the event of respiratory discomfort. In addition, individuals with chronic ENT infections are often more likely to develop laryngitis. The same is true for those who use their voice a lot, such as speakers or singers.
Symptoms of laryngitis
Laryngitis is manifested by a sore throat of varying intensity accompanied by a hoarse and violent cough that occurs suddenly. A sore throat often results in difficulty swallowing. Also, inflammation can make the voice hoarse or dull. The cough, usually dry, is especially common during the night. It can cause respiratory discomfort and cyanosis that gives a bluish discoloration to the lips. In the most severe cases, inflammation of the larynx prevents the passage of air and can lead to asphyxia.
Respiratory tract infection
Bryonia is recommended to treat laryngitis accompanied by a dry cough due to the fact that it effectively treats tracheitis. Another remedy that can be used is Drosera, which targets chest pain and nighttime fits. In case of sensations of laryngeal tickling, Rumex crispus should be taken, while Sticta pulmonaria is used to treat stuffy noses. Bromium, on the other hand, treats laryngitis when the patient has a feeling of choking. Finally, Kalium bichrimicum is recommended in the event that the patient needs to evacuate a large amount of mucus.
Laryngitis affecting the vocal cords
Argentum metallicum is recommended in cases of voice loss, especially in people who use their vocal cords a lot. To treat laryngitis accompanied by a cough and a hoarse voice, it is recommended to put Cansticum 4CH under the tongue if the hoarseness occurs because of a cold, or Spongia 5CH when the laryngitis is chronic with a dry throat. In addition, Spongia 7 CH and Drosera 7 CH are also good remedies for hoarse voices with dry mucous membranes.
Treatment of laryngitis in children
Two homeopathic medicines are particularly suitable for treating laryngitis in children, namely Sambucus niger for intense and sudden laryngitis and Spongia tosta for acute laryngitis that worsens especially at night and is accompanied by a feeling of suffocation.
Severe laryngitis
Sambucus nigra is recommended when the cough is suffocating and the nose is completely obstructed with heavy sweating when waking up. On the other hand, a course of Arum triphyllum is recommended if the inflammation is very acute and the lips are dry and bleeding.
When to see a doctor?
Laryngitis, in an adult, should subside after a few days of treatment and rest. Consultation with an ENT doctor becomes necessary when the symptoms do not disappear after 2 to 3 weeks, or when the disease is accompanied by a fever. In a child, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms appear, especially if the little patient has difficulty swallowing or breathing, if he has a fever of more than 38°, if he breathes wheezing sounds or if he salivates a lot. Consultation is also necessary in the event that the child refuses to eat or drink, or if he or she seems agitated or on the contrary very tired. It should be noted that a child under 6 months old with laryngitis must be seen quickly by an ENT. A consultation is also urgent if the child also has a chronic or heart disease.
