THROAT: LARYNGITIS

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Inflammation of the vocal cords may follow overuse of the voice, irritation by chemical substances, or infection. Men, who are more frequently subjected to exposure to irritant substances in their occupations and who indulge more than women in deleterious habits, suffer more from laryngitis than do women. Contributing causes to inflammation of the larynx include the swallowing of hot or spicy foods, the abuse of alcohol and tobacco and similar irritants. Occasionally the larynx becomes inflamed because there is an infection in the throat or the lungs. In fact, any condition that blocks breathing through the nose helps to cause laryngitis, because large amounts of air then pass directly to the larynx without having been modified, as is usual, in passing through the nasal tract.

In serious cases of laryngitis it is customary to go to bed and keep quiet. Nothing helps the vocal cords under such circumstances as much as continuous rest, speaking only in a whisper. The application of an ice bag or ice collar or moist compresses to the throat is soothing. Some people prefer warmth, which seems to be equally effective in its soothing action. A measure which comes down from ancient history is the inhaling of steam to which various aromatic oils can be added. Apparently the chief benefit is derived, however, not from the aromatic oils but from the moisture and the warmth. Nowadays many special devices have been developed that use electrical heat in order to produce such steam for inhaling. These devices are usually much safer than the old-fashioned dish or kettle of hot water. Many instances have been known of severe burns from accidents with open kettles of exceedingly hot water used in this way.

For serious laryngitis, particularly that complicated by inflammation or infection, the physician may prescribe many drugs that are helpful in securing rest and in soothing the area concerned.

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THROAT: LARYNGITISInflammation of the vocal cords may follow overuse of the voice, irritation by chemical substances, or infection. Men, who are more frequently subjected to exposure to irritant substances in their occupations and who indulge more than women in deleterious habits, suffer more from laryngitis than do women. Contributing causes to inflammation of the larynx include the swallowing of hot or spicy foods, the abuse of alcohol and tobacco and similar irritants. Occasionally the larynx becomes inflamed because there is an infection in the throat or the lungs. In fact, any condition that blocks breathing through the nose helps to cause laryngitis, because large amounts of air then pass directly to the larynx without having been modified, as is usual, in passing through the nasal tract.In serious cases of laryngitis it is customary to go to bed and keep quiet. Nothing helps the vocal cords under such circumstances as much as continuous rest, speaking only in a whisper. The application of an ice bag or ice collar or moist compresses to the throat is soothing. Some people prefer warmth, which seems to be equally effective in its soothing action. A measure which comes down from ancient history is the inhaling of steam to which various aromatic oils can be added. Apparently the chief benefit is derived, however, not from the aromatic oils but from the moisture and the warmth. Nowadays many special devices have been developed that use electrical heat in order to produce such steam for inhaling. These devices are usually much safer than the old-fashioned dish or kettle of hot water. Many instances have been known of severe burns from accidents with open kettles of exceedingly hot water used in this way.For serious laryngitis, particularly that complicated by inflammation or infection, the physician may prescribe many drugs that are helpful in securing rest and in soothing the area concerned.*22/318/5*

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