Hoarseness Health Article

Definition

Hoarseness is having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound weak, very breathy, scratchy, or husky.

Alternative Names

Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice

Considerations

Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness are associated with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis).

Hoarseness that lingers for weeks or months may be caused by a variety of problems. Some causes are minor, while others are serious.

Common Causes

• Allergies
• Coughing (may be caused by allergies or diseases such as bronchitis)
• Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
• Excessive use of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Inhaling irritating substances
• Laryngitis
• Prolonged or excessive crying (in children)
• Viral illness

Other causes include:

• Aneurysms of the upper aorta
• Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
• Cancer of the voice box (laryngeal cancer)
• Foreign object in the esophagus or trachea
• Heavy smoking and drinking, especially together
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Ingesting a harsh chemical liquid
• Overall weakness caused by other diseases
• Postnasal drip
• Puberty
• Thyroid or lung cancer
• Tonsillitis
• Vocal cord nodules or paralysis (after surgery)

Home Care

Hoarseness may be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), but is treated the same in most cases.

This kind of hoarseness is very resistant to medical therapy. Rest and time are the only ways to cure hoarseness that is not associated with other symptoms. Crying, shouting, and excessive talking or singing will only make the problem worse. Be patient, the healing process may take several days. Don't talk unless it is absolutely necessary and avoid whispering. Whispering can strain the vocal cords more than speaking does.

Gargling does not help the vocal cords. Avoid decongestants because they dry the vocal cords and prolong irritation. If you smoke, reduce or stop smoking.

Humidifying the air with a vaporizer or drinking fluids can offer some relief.

Treat conditions such as:

• Alcoholism
• Allergies
• Bronchitis
• Laryngitis