Laryngitis is a condition caused by an inflammation of the larynx or “voice box” which results in a loss of the person’s ability to speak except in a whisper. There may be a number of causes of the inflammation such as overuse, straining the vocal cords, or infection of the throat and larynx. The most common cause of an acute onset laryngitis is due to a virus and the condition may be accompanied by fever, tiredness, a tickling or rawness feeling of the vocal cords, and a constant urge to clear the throat.

Acute spasmodic laryngitis also due to a virus, usually does not have a fever associated with it, and is self-limiting, lasting only a few days. Acute laryngotracheobronchitis also has a viral etiology and is accompanied by a fever and possibly a headache that lasts for 2 to 3 days and often progresses into a cough. If the patient is unresponsive to treatment, then acute epiglottitis should be considered and your physician needs to be consulted as soon as possible.

Foreign bodies if aspirated can cause a sudden onset of croup and laryngitis. More commonly seen with children, the child will exhibit some symptoms of choking if this is the etiology, and needs to be evaluated as soon as possible.

Other causes which must be considered but are less likely are a tumor on the vocal cords, a disruption of the nerve which leads to the larynx, or possibly a stroke  affecting the speech center of the brain.

As with any other medical condition, if the person does not respond to treatment, a medical evaluation is in order.

Homeopathic Medicines such as Aconite, Antimonium crudum, Argentum nitricum, Causticum, Kali bichromicum  and Rhus toxicodendron are commonly indicated.

Hydrotherapy using heating compress applied to the throat or gargling with salt water will often receive the condition.

Botanical Medicines: Consider using a botanical medicine in conjunction with the homeopathic prescription to provide additional healing and soothing nutrients to the larynx. A formula such as:

Add 60 drops to ¼ to ½ cup of water; gargle and swallow every 4 hours.

This article is an excerpt from the
Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor

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Thomas A. Kruzel N.D. is a naturopathic physician in private practice at the Rockwood Natural Medicine Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. He received a BA in Biology from the California State University at Northridge, and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kruzel is also a board certified Medical Technologist. He completed 2 years of Family Practice Medicine residency at the Portland Naturopathic Clinic where he was chief resident prior to entering private practice. He also completed a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine through the Oregon Geriatric Education Center and the Portland VA Medical Center.

He has been an Associate Professor of Medicine at National College of Naturopathic Medicine where he has taught Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Clinical Urology. He is the author of the Homeopathic Emergency Guide A Quick Reference Handbook to Effective Homeopathic Care published by North Atlantic Books and Haug Publishers Germany, and has published numerous articles in The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine as well as other publications. He also is the author of the Natural Medicine Pediatric Home Health Advisor. He has been a member of the Alternative Medicine Review Editorial Review Board since 1997 and editor of the Clinical Medicine section of the Foundations Medical Textbook. He is also the past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and was selected as Physician of the Year by the AANP in 2000 and Physician of the Year by the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association in 2003.