– This very usual accompaniment of a cold is due to congestion of the mucous membrane of the larynx (voice organ) and relaxation of the vocal cords. In a general way it passes off with the cold and needs no special treatment. However, this does not always happen so. It may linger on after the other symptoms of cold have disappeared and then it becomes a more serious affair.
Or, if the attacks of hoarseness occur frequently, the condition will need to be treated.
General Treatment.- A compress (composed of two or three layers of linen wrung out of cold water and laid across the throat, and over this piece of flannel completely covering it) applied at bedtime is often of benefit. Eating a few raisins, or taking the yolk of an egg raw with a little sugar several times a day are useful in many cases. Of course care must be taken to avoid colds, and adopt such measures as will prevent their occurrence.
Medicines.- (Every four hours, until relief is obtained.)
Belladonna 3.
– Hoarseness accompanied with tickling, irritating cough, and bright red soreness of throat; mouth dry.
Phosphorus 3.
-Hoarseness, with cough and rawness in larynx, worse in evening; cannot talk on account of pain in larynx.
Carbo vegetabilis 6.
– Protracted hoarseness, worse morning and evening and after talking; hoarseness after measles.
Mercurius 6.
– Voice hoarse and rough, burning and tickling in larynx- a disposition to perspire easily, the sweating giving no relief. Every breath of air aggravates.
