The air we breathe in contains a vast number of organisms which is why most infections, laryngitis and pharyngitis, occur in the throat. The number one reason for doctor visits is pharyngitis, a sore throat caused by inflammation in the back of the throat. Pharyngitis is usually accompanied by a cold or a flu, but unless a bacterial infection is also present antibiotics will not help. There is no cure for virus’ except some rest, relaxation, over the counter pain-killers and natural remedies.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box, called the larynx. The larynx plays an important role in our life, as it helps prevent us from choking. Speech is produced by getting air in between the vocal cords . Laryngitis usually occurs after a sinus or chest infection .
I get laryngitis once a year, but for no particular reason that I am aware of. I may feel perfectly healthy, but I sound terrible, like I am on my death-bed. For me, it is a yearly curse but usually there is a general feeling of not being well, and maybe a fever.
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which cause them to swell and possibly be covered with yellow or white spots of pus. There may also be swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck , which can make the entire neck region very tender.
Tonsillitis includes pain when swallowing, a sore throat, earache, fever, headache and just a general feeling of being unwell. Tonsillitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in children. Abscesses , called quinsy can occur in older children and adults who pick up the severe form of tonsillitis.
Most cases of tonsillitis are not dangerous, however it is possible to become very ill with strep throat, which is a bacterial infection. Other complications that could accompany tonsillitis, though rare, are inner ear infections , rheumatic fever , and a blood infection (called septicemia).
Tonsils are part of the immune system, and they help fight infection. The main reason people choose to get their tonsils removed is because they are consistently painful and inflamed. Why do people get routine tonsillectomies? They believe they will avoid problems with their tonsils. But tonsils are there for a reason, they aren’t a useless part of our body. They are there to assist our immune system; I would not routinely remove them from my children, nor have I ever had mine removed.
Pharyngitis can be caused by strep throat, which is bacterial, therefore can be treated with antibiotics. Pharyngitis is highly contagious, and more generally are viral in nature, such as the common cold, the flu and mononucleosis . Risk factors include
*close contact with those who have pharyngitis, through schools and daycare attendance for instance.
* sinus infections
*smoking or exposure to smoke
*the Cold and flu season
*Northern European ancestry
*allergies
Laryngitis usually only lasts for a few days, but if chronic laryngitis occurs it will last for a longer time. Chronic laryngitis is usually caused by smoking or overuse of the voice, and rarely could be caused by breathing in toxic fumes. When the larynx and vocal cords become inflamed, sore and swollen it distorts the vocal apparatus which will result in a hoarse voice .
The orthodox treatment for laryngitis includes avoiding smoking and drinking, as well as resting the voice as much as possible. Helpful tips also include:
* Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air
* Menthol chest rubs may make breathing easier
* Painkillers such as aspirin will help an inflamed throat, and will help reduce fever.
* Addressing stress and exhaustion issues
* Aoothing herbal teas
* Throat gargles of raspberry leaf, sage or thyme
* Echinacea
* Extra vitamin C
* Garlic tablets may be helpful
* Salt-water gargles
A reflexologist will massage the areas related to the throat, neck, endocrine glands, shoulder, and lymph gland areas.
Pharyngitis treatments are very similar to laryngitis, but can include warm soups, organic honey, added zinc and ginseng.
Healing foods for laryngitis and pharyngitis include:
* Radishes
* Lemon
* Blackberries
The orthodox treatment for tonsillitis includes:
* Aspirin, or other pain reliever
* Preparations which act as a local anesthesia, so that eating and drinking is possible
* Penicillin for bacterial tonsillitis
* Tonsillectomy (removing the tonsils), if they are no longer fulfilling the function of protecting the body.
* Antibiotic injections for quinsy, and a surgical incision to drain the abscess might be necessary
Herbal and nutritional treatments might include:
* Strengthening the immune system
* Throat gargles of myrrh, sage, and wild indigo (to reduce inflammation)
* Extra vitamin C, Zinc and other essential nutrients
Massage with anti=infectious essential oils might help.
Aromatherapists also might use tea tree oi, massaged onto the throat and neck area/
Laryngitis, Pharyngitis and Tonsillitus are three common ailments of the throat, all different yet in many ways also similar. The treatments for these ailments are similar in nature. Rest, relaxation, stress reduction, boosting the immunity and eating healthful foods go a long way in treating these conditions in the least amount of time possible.
* I am not a doctor. If you need treatment please seek the advice of your physician.
