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.
Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness occur with swelling (inflammation) of the larynx (laryngitis).
Hoarseness that continues for weeks or months should be checked by a health care provider. Although some causes are minor, more serious causes, such as laryngeal cancer, are possible.
Other causes include:
Hoarseness may be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Rest and time may improve the hoarseness. Crying, shouting, and too much talking or singing may make the problem worse. Be patient, because the healing process may take several days. Don't talk unless you really need to 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:
Make an appointment with a health care provider if:
If you are having severe difficulty breathing, the first priority is to restore normal breathing. This may require the placement of a breathing tube.
Once your condition is stable, the doctor will examine your throat and mouth. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history, including:
Tests that may be done include:
Blood tests such as a complete blood count ( CBC) or blood differential may be done.
Treatment depends on the cause of the problem.
Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice
Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2010.
Feierabend RH, Malik SN. Hoarseness in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(4)363-370.
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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