subject: Hoarseness, Homeopathic Approach [print this page] Hoarseness is having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice.
Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness are associated with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis).
Causes
1.Allergies
2.Prolonged coughing
3.Heavy smoking and drinking
4.Excessive use of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
5.Gastroesophageal reflux
6.Inhaling irritating substances
7.Laryngitis
8.Viral illness
Other causes include:
1.Puberty
2.Aneurysms of the upper aorta
3.Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
4.Laryngeal cancer
5.Foreign object in the esophagus or trachea
6.Thyroid or lung cancer
7.Tonsillitis
8.Vocal cord nodules or paralysis (after surgery)
Home Care:
1.Stop smoking.
2.Avoid alcohol
3.Avoid decongestants
4.Avoid spicy foods
5.Avoid using the voice too long or too loudly
6.Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is injured or hoarse
7.Drink plenty of water
8.Humidify the surroundings
Alarming signs of hoarseness:
1.Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
2.Hoarseness is accompanied by drooling, especially in small child
3.A child less than 3 months old is hoarse
4.If hoarseness lasts longer than 2-3 weeks
5.If hoarseness is associated with Pain
6.Coughing up blood
7.A lump in the neck
8.Complete loss or severe change in voice lasting longer than a few days
Homeopathic remedies:
Aconite:
sudden or acute attack of laryngitis following exposure to cold air, causing loss of voice, fever and dry, hard suffocating cough.
Allium cepa :
For hoarseness associated with a cold and clear, watery discharge
Belladonna:
Sudden or violent attack of laryngitis due to exposure to cold, a painful, constricted sensation in the throat is the common symptoms for using this medicine. Voice becomes husky and hoarse with barking cough that ends in sneezing
Causticum:
It has dryness of the larynx and sensitiveness extending to the chest. There is hoarseness with rawness and scraping in the chest under the middle of the sternum, with a dry, hollow and unsatisfactory cough. Hoarseness of speakers and singers, which is worse mornings and much aggravated in cold weather.
Drosera:
Laryngitis from overuse of voice, deep hoarse voice with a sensation of feather in the larynx, attacks of cough follow each other so rapidly that the person can scarcely breathe, hoarseness and cough are worse from hot water gargles.
Hepar sulph:
Loss or hoarseness of voice from exposure to dry, cold wind, chronic laryngitis, sensation of a splinter in the throat, deep, barking, choking cough which is excited from least uncovering of the body, hoarseness is worse from cold air or drinks but improves from hot-water gargling.
Phosphorus:
Laryngitis from overuse of voice causing hoarseness of voice, dry cough and burning pain in the throat when talking or laughing, hoarseness and pain diminish by consuming cold water or food.
Spongia :
A feeling of dryness, burning and constriction in the larynx, hoarseness of voice that improves from warm foods or drinks or hot water gargling.
