Hoarseness
Sources:
Papers On Health
This trouble we may consider in three ways:--First, as
the effect of overstrain in using the voice; in this case rest must be
taken from speaking or other such work. Remedies which restore the
voice without rest are very likely to do permanent injury. For
application to the throat, use vinegar or weak ACETIC ACID (see) of
such strength as to cause just slight smarting of the throat when
applied as a gargle, or with a p
oper brush, such as any chemist will
supply. This may be done frequently, and, together with rest, will
rarely fail to cure. Rubbing the throat externally with acetic acid of
full strength until a rash appears is often very helpful. Those engaged
in public speaking would do well, especially in youth, to cultivate the
habit of correct breathing (see Breathing, Correct Method of).
Articulation should be clear, and the words formed sonorously, and from
the stomach, as it were. This, indeed, will apply to everyone. Such a
method of producing the voice will not only be harmonious, but will
exercise insensibly a beneficial influence on the nervous system and
mental tone of the individual.
It is a fact that actors who study the method of voice production do
not suffer from that form of sore throat known as clergymen's sore
throat, simply because they have learned to produce their voice in this
way.
Secondly, hoarseness may arise from exposure to cold, damp air. In this
case it is best to apply mild heat to the roots of the nerves which
supply the voice organs. This is best done by applying a bran poultice
to the back of the neck, oiling before and after with olive oil.
Carefully dry the skin, and wear a piece of new flannel, for a time,
over the part poulticed. This may be supplemented by brushing as above
with the vinegar.
Thirdly, failure of skin action, or of the proper action of other
waste-removing organs, may be the cause of hoarseness. In addition to
the treatment recommended above, we must in this case stimulate the
skin: this is best done by rubbing with Cayenne "Tea" (see) all over
the body at bedtime. Let this be done for four or five nights, and the
throat treatment be given in the morning, when a cure may be looked
for. See Underwear.