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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Contents of this page: | |
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Alternative names Return to top
Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voiceDefinition Return to top
Hoarseness is described as having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound weak, excessively breathy, scratchy, or husky.
Considerations Return to top
Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness are associated with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis).
Persistent hoarseness (hoarseness that lingers for weeks or months) may be caused by a variety of problems ranging from trivial to dangerous.
Common Causes Return to top
Illness: Irritation from:Home Care Return to top
Hoarseness may be acute or chronic, but is treated the same in most cases.Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
If there is severe difficulty breathing, the first priority is to ensure normal breathing. This may require the placement of a breathing tube. Once the condition is stable, the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.Intervention:
Thickened cords, polyps, and benign nodules can all be treated surgically or with a laser. Cancers are sometimes completely cured by either surgery, radiation, or both. Vocal cords that are accidentally damaged while administering anesthesia or during surgery can often be repaired.
Other conditions may benefit from voice rest and speech therapy. Reflux laryngitis is treated with anti-reflux measures (avoid spicy and fried food, reduce coffee intake) and antacids.
Stopping smoking helps in early recovery from laryngitis and other conditions causing hoarseness.
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to hoarseness or changed voice, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |