Laryngitis

What is laryngitis?

The larynx is the organ of voice. When we speak, two membranes in the larynx - the vocal cords - vibrate to make sound. Laryngitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the tissues of the larynx. It is the bane of performers and other professionals who depend on their voice for their art and livelihood.
What causes laryngitis?

Almost every person has experienced acute (sudden onset) laryngitis, usually associated with a viral infection of the upper airways. But the inflammation can be caused by any kind of injury including:

* infection
* vocal overuse
* smoking and other inhaled irritants
* drinking of spirits
* contact with caustic or acidic substances (including acid reflux from the stomach)
* allergic reaction
* direct trauma.

Why do the symptoms sometimes persist?

A more perplexing problem for professional voice users is laryngitis that is not associated with any signs of infection but which recurs or persists. This form of laryngitis, which lasts weeks or months, is termed chronic laryngitis.

Acute laryngitis may become chronic if the appropriate preventive measures are not adhered to rigidly.
What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

In acute laryngitis from a viral upper-respiratory infection, the voice becomes hoarse or is reduced to a whisper.

The most common symptom of early mild ‘irritative’ laryngitis is a feeling of postnasal drip with chronic throat clearing due to a sensation of secretions in the throat.

In chronic irritative laryngitis loss of voice quality with voice use, a feeling of irritation or of a lump in the throat, dryness or soreness (often worst in the morning upon wakening) may be features in addition to hoarseness (which often comes and goes).

Pain with laryngeal movements such as speaking or swallowing, is typical of more severe laryngitis. Chronic cough and wheeze brought on by exercise are signs of more advanced inflammation.
How is laryngitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis can be confirmed by inspection of the larynx by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. The earliest sign may be slight redness and dryness of the laryngeal lining with stringy mucus between the vocal cords. In chronic laryngitis the vocal cords often appear thickened.
How is laryngitis prevented or treated?

In acute laryngitis due to a cold the viral infection is almost always quickly conquered by the body’s immune system and lasts at most a few days. It is still best to rest the voice while the larynx is inflamed. This along with steam inhalations and avoidance of smoke and other irritants is usually sufficient. Antibiotics are rarely necessary.

Lifestyle changes are often the most important factor in the prevention of chronic laryngitis.

These should include:

* cessation of smoking and avoidance of smoky environments
* avoidance of food and liquids for two to three hours before retiring in order to prevent having active acid secretion by the stomach during sleep.
* raising the head of the bed, which protects the larynx from acid reflux from the stomach during sleep.
* medication to reduce acid production by the stomach if symptoms persist despite these measures.
* avoidance of throat clearing as this can worsen symptoms. It should be substituted by swallowing to clear bothersome throat secretions.

Voice therapy may be helpful in cases of faulty voice production.

Smoking and nutrition

Nicotine and the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke have a huge impact on the detoxification process of the body.

* Smoking causes cell damage, which leads to diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol levels, coronary and circulatory problems, respiratory disorders and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
* Smoking drains the body of many essential vitamins and minerals, affecting your ability to absorb these vital nutrients.

Smoking causes most problems for vitamin C.

Vitamin C is one of the body's main antioxidants. Antioxidants are linked to the prevention of a number of diseases.

The more you smoke, the more vitamin C you lose from your tissues and blood. But your body needs more vitamin C to counteract the damage that smoking causes to your cells.

To make up for this disturbance, a smoker needs to increase their vitamin C intake to around 2000mg a day. This can't be achieved by diet alone, so a supplement is needed.

Smokers should also try to increase their intake of antioxidants, mainly from fruit and vegetables. That said, no amount of supplements or antioxidants can protect the body against the damage caused by smoking.

The only real solution is to quit smoking.

The Truth About Quitting

Why stop smoking?

We are all aware of the health risks of smoking.

Many smokers give up not only because of the health risks to themselves, but also to those around them, while others choose to give up in order to save money or to stop smoking from interrupting their daily routines. And some just want to feel better and for their clothes to smell better.

Whatever your reason for quitting, with NICORETTE® you are twice as likely to succeed compared to willpower alone.
What happens when you quit?

20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal

8 hours: Oxygen levels in your blood return to normal.

24 hours: Carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

48 hours: There is no nicotine left in your body. Your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Your bronchial tubes begin to relax and your energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking and running a whole lot easier.

3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems get better as your lung function is increased by up to 10%.

5 years: Heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to same as someone who has never smoked.