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Hoarseness

Definition

Hoarseness refers to a difficulty making sounds when trying to speak. Vocal sounds may be weak, breathy, scratchy, or husky, and the pitch or quality of the voice may change.

Alternative Names

Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice

Considerations

Hoarseness is most often caused by a problem with the vocal cords, which are part of your voice box (larynx) in
the throat.When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness.

The most common cause of hoarseness is a cold or sinus infection, which usually goes away on its own
within 2 weeks.

Another rare, but serious cause of hoarseness that does not go away in a few weeks is cancer of the voice box.

Common Causes

  • Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux)
  • Allergies
  • Breathing in irritating substances
  • Cancer of the throat or larynx
  • Chronic coughing
  • Colds or upper respiratory infections
  • Heavy smoking or drinking, especially together
  • Overuse or abuse of the voice (as in shouting or singing), which may cause swelling or growths on the vocal cords

Less common causes include:

          

Home Care

Hoarseness may be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Rest and time may improve hoarseness. Hoarseness that continues for weeks or months should be checked by a health care provider.

Things you can do at home to help relieve the problem include:

  • Talk only when you need to until hoarseness goes away.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your airways moist. (Gargling does not help.)
  • Use a vaporizer to add moisture to the air you breathe.
  • Avoid actions that strain the vocal cords such as whispering, shouting, crying, and singing.
  • Take medicines to reduce stomach acid if hoarseness is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Do NOT use decongestants which can dry out the vocal cords.
  • If you smoke, cut down or stop at least until hoarseness goes away.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Hoarseness occurs with drooling, especially in a small child
  • Hoarseness occurs in a child less than 3 months old
  • Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2-3 weeks in an adult

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will examine your throat, neck, and mouth and ask you some questions about your symptoms and medical history, including:

  • To what extent have you lost your voice (all or partially)?
  • What kind of vocal problems are you having (such as making scratchy, breathy, or husky vocal sounds)?
  • When did hoarseness start?
  • Does hoarseness come and go or get worse over time?
  • Have you been shouting, singing, or overusing your voice, or crying a lot (if a child)?
  • Have you been exposed to harsh fumes or liquids?
  • Do you have allergies or a post nasal drip?
  • Have you ever had throat surgery?
  • Do you smoke or use alcohol?
  • Do you have other symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or fatigue?

You may have one or more of the following tests:

References

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.

Schwartz SR, Cohen SM, Dailey SH. Clinical practice guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia).Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2009;141 (3S2)S1-S31.



 

Review Date: 11/9/2012
Reviewed By: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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