Therapeutic targets
- Alleviation of symptoms
- Elimination of pathogens
- Avoidance of complications
Therapy recommendations
The following are treatment recommendations for acute laryngitis:
- The focus is on voice sparing i.e. temporary complete abstention from voice use; at most, speak softly carefully with lowered voice pitch.
- Analgesics (painkillers) to relieve symptoms.
- Antibiotics are indicated only in exceptional cases (eg, superinfection / here: bacterial secondary infection), because the course of laryngitis is usually self-limiting, ie, it comes to a halt without therapeutic measures
- If necessary, mucolytics (mucolytic drugs).
- Supportive measures: Inhalation with mild substances (brine or sage tea).
The following are treatment recommendations for chronic laryngitis:
- Nicotine and alcohol restriction
- Abstention from hot spices
- Moistening of dry mucous membranes by inhalation; pay attention to optimal room humidity
- In case of reflux (reflux of acidic gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus (esophagus); symptom: heartburn) are proton pump inhibitors means of first choice
Further notes
- Epiglottitis (epiglottis = gr. epiglottis, -itis = inflammation; synonym: laryngitis supraglottica) is a life-threatening disease usually caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type B. It is an emergency; even suspicion requires hospitalization. Frequency peak: children between 2-6 years; typical symptoms are: barking, dry irritating cough, which can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress.
- Laryngitis gastrica (non-bacterial, inflammatory reaction of the mucosa in the larynx and surrounding pharynx due to a reflux (Latin refluxus “reflux”) of gastric secretions), which is relatively common, can be relieved by a plant-based Mediterranean diet combined with drinking alkaline water at least as well as by treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI; acid blocker).
- See also under “Further therapy“.
Supplements (dietary supplements; vital substances)
Suitable supplements for natural defense should contain the following vital substances:
- Vitamins (A, C, E, D3, B1, B2 B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin).
- Trace elements (chromium, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc).
- Omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)).
- Secondary plant compounds (eg beta-carotene, flavonoids, lycopene, polyphenols).
- Probiotics
Note: The listed vital substances are not a substitute for drug therapy. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the general diet in the particular life situation.
