Chronic Laryngitiss
In laryngitis, the laryngeal mucous membrane is swollen, congested and coated with mucus. Chronic laryngitis occurs as a result of repeated attacks of acute laryngitis. Since the larynx is responsible for producing voice, laryngitis naturally affects the voice of the individual. Therefore, chronic laryngitis has been called swarabhed in Ayurveda, the word swar means voice and bhed means breaking.
Causes :
Excessive use of the voice (for talking or singing), especially in a dusty atmosphere, often leads to chronic laryngitis. Heavy smoking, exposure to chemicals, poisonous fumes and harmful gases can also cause this disease. Breathing from the mouth and obstruction of nasal sinuses can precipitate chronic laryngitis while in some cases other respiratory diseases, such as influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and common cold can cause chronic laryngitis.
Symptoms
Dark circles under and around the eyes
Hoarseness of the voice
Irritation of the throat
Spasmodic cough
Fever in some cases
Difficulty in swallowing
Swollen lymph nodes
Change in voice or loss of voice
Pain in throat
View Of Ayurveda
Vataj swarabhed (caused mainly by vitiated vayu) is marked by harsh, loud, vibrating voice and pain around the larynx. Pittaj swarabhed (caused mainly by vitiated Pitta) is indicated by thirst, fever and burning sensation in the laryngeal region. Staggering or obstructed voice indicates kaphaj swarabhed (caused mainly by vitiated kapha) which aggravates during night and alleviates during the day. Sannipatik swarabhed is caused by vitiation of all three doshas and therefore have mixed characteristics. Swarabhed caused by emaciating diseases like tuberculosis is called kshayaj swarabhed and is generally accompanied by mild fever, weakness and weight loss. Medoj swarabhed caused by the vitiation of meda dhatu (fat tissue) has similar features like kaphaj swarabhed but patients also experience excessive thirst. The treatment for swarabhed involves certain therapies with the addition of antibiotics, blood and lymph cleansing herbs. Sometimes, demulcent herbs are also prescribed.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
People who need to use their larynx a lot in their occupations should take care not to overuse it. They should refrain from cold food items and cold atmosphere as both these things can immediately affect the larynx.
Those who get exposed to chemicals and toxic fumes should protect themselves from such toxins so that their larynx does not get affected.
Doing Pranayama (especially bhramari pranayama) regularly improves circulation in the larynx, removes unwanted mucus from the cavity and strengthens the vocal cords.
An ayurvedic treatment has wonderful results in Chronic Laryngitis disease. It may cure permanantly if patient follow the complete course of treatment with all diet, life-style & panchkarma realeted advises.