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Homoeopathic treatment for Hoarseness

Hoarseness is a symptom and not a disease. It is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. When hoarse, the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or there may be changes in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is). The changes in sound are usually due to disorders related to the vocal folds, which are the sound- producing parts of the voice box (larynx). There are many causes of hoarseness; fortunately, most are not serious and tend to go away in a short period of time.

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 CAUSES OF HOARSENESS

  • Common cold or upper respiratory tract viral infection
  • Voice abuse: when you use your voice either too much, too loudly, or improperly over extended periods of time
  • Gastroesophageal reflux: when stomach acid comes up the swallowing tube and irritates the vocal folds
  • Smoking
  • Allergies, thyroid problems, neurological disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma to the voice box

DIAGNOSIS

  • A thorough history of hoarseness and general health is obtained.
  • The voice box and surrounding tissue will then be examined using a mirror or a laryngoscope (a small lighted flexible instrument placed in the back of your throat).
  • Voice quality is then evaluated:
  • Lab tests, such as a biopsy, x-rays, or thyroid function may be ordered depending on the findings of the physical exam.

 PREVENTION

  • Quit smoking, 
  • Avoid agents which dehydrate the body, such as alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoid “second hand” (passive) smoke
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Humidify your home
  • Watch your diet – avoid spicy foods and alcohol
  • Try not to use voice too long or too loudlyUploaded Image
  • Seek professional help if  voice is injured or hoarse

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF HOARSENESS

Argentum Nitricum – A sense of rawness in the larynx, with this hoarseness. There may be thick sputum. It may be worse when coughing, swallowing or speaking. The person needing this remedy may have a fear of public speaking or can be very nervous before important events. They may suffer with an anticipatory type of anxiety.

Arnica – Hoarseness brought on after excessive shouting, singing or screaming. Remember Arnica is an amazing remedy for that bruised feeling, physically or emotionally. So if you think of the hoarseness as the vocal cords having been badly bruised and exhausted then this is the remedy you need.

Arum Triphyllum – This remedy is useful for when the voice changes pitch, or is difficult to control. Constant hawking of phlegm and clearing throat. Like all these remedies, it is better for resting. Worse when trying to sing or talk. Loss of voice when exposed to N.W. wind.

Causticum – Hoarseness of voice is worse in the morning and worse for stooping. The larynx is raw and sore to touch. This person will feel better with cold drinks.

Phosphorus – The larynx is painful and raw preventing speech. Hoarseness is worse in the early morning and early evening. They may suffer with a dry ticking cough which is worse going out into cold air or any change in temperature.

Rhus-Tox - When thinking of this remedy, you can always think of something that is stiff in the beginning and then gets better with movement. This hoarseness is worse in the beginning, however it can improve after talking for a while. You might have a sensation of coldness in the larynx, when breathing. Hoarseness can be from overstraining the voice.