Practical Advice

Preventing and treating hoarseness and loss of voice

  • If you smoke, quit
  • Avoid agents which dehydrate the body, such as alcohol, tea, coffee & salty foods
  • Avoid smoky environments
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Humidify your home
  • Watch your diet - avoid spicy foods, alcohol and phlegm producing foods such as milk products
  • Try not to use your voice too long or too loudly
  • Seek professional voice training; we warmly recommend Catherine Orton, Voice Coach in Berkhamsted
  • Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is injured or hoarse

How can I increase my immune system?
  • Eat plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables (5 portions daily)
  • Get plenty of sleep and relaxation
  • Be happy and laugh

Are there any supplements I can take?

There are many immune enhancers available-below are some of the more well known:

Vitamin C
For optimum effectiveness remember it works best in conjunction with bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium

Zinc
 Zinc-sulphate or zinc-gluconate are equally effective but zinc gluconate appears to be more easily tolerated. Chelated zinc is the best way to take zinc.

Vitamin A
Available in two forms, one derived from natural fish oils and the other is water dispersible. The latter is better for acne sufferers.

Echinacea
Take for up to 3 weeks, then break for a week for best results.


Self defence techniques

Be conscious of the change in seasons. Especially autumn into winter. September through to February is particularly stressful. If you have relaxed your regime, start taking at least two of the above supplements.

Protect yourself from air born viruses
  • Avoid over crowded places, air conditioned offices, surgery waiting rooms.
  • Wrap up after exercise-do not expose yourself to the elements when hot & sweaty.
  • If you have been in contact with a cold sufferer, take steam inhalation as soon as possible. This can be very effective.
  • Take maximum suggested dose of both vitamin C and Echinacea for 5 days after exposure. Remember it's not so much the amount of the above that's important but consistency with your intake as both of these substances are excreted via urination.
  • As suggested before: eat well, sleep plenty & be happy.

Traditional Chinese Herbal remedies and early viral infection

There are many formulae which work very effectively on early stage viral infection suitable for all constitutional types. A one-off acupuncture treatment with a short herbal prescription is usually all that's necessary.

You should seek medical advice
  • If hoarseness lasts longer than 2-3 weeks
  • If hoarseness is associated with:
  1. Pain not from a cold or flu
  2. Coughing up blood
  3. Difficulty in swallowing
  4. A lump in the neck
  5. Complete loss or severe change in voice lasting longer than two days

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