Understanding Hoarseness Symptom: Causes, and Treatment
Hoarseness is known as dysphonia. Dysphonia refers to having an abnormal voice. The most common cause of hoarseness is acute laryngitis. A healthcare professional can usually diagnose the underlying cause of hoarseness based on the history and physical examination of the patient. Treatment for hoarseness depends on the underlying cause. Hoarseness can be prevented by avoiding excessive use of your voice and quitting smoking. If you have persistent hoarseness that lasts for over 10 days, seek immediate medical attention, as you may have a serious underlying medical condition.
Hoarseness Causes
Hoarseness is usually caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. Other common factors that can cause, contribute, or worsen your condition include:
- Stomach acid reflux
- Smoking tobacco
- Drink alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
- Yelling, long singing, or overuse of the vocal cords
- Allergies
- Inhale toxic substances
- Coughing excessively
Some less common causes of hoarseness include:
- Polyps (abnormal growths) on the vocal cords
- Throat, thyroid, or lung cancer
- Damage to the throat, such as from insertion of a breathing tube
- Male adolescence (when the voice deepens)
- Thyroid gland malfunctions
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms (swelling of a part of the aorta, the largest artery in the heart)
- Nerve or muscle conditions that weaken the function of the larynx
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Get A Second OpinionRisk Factors
- Smoking (also the main risk factor for carcinoma of the larynx)
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Professional use of voice, for example, teachers, actors, and singers
- Environment: poor acoustics, atmospheric irritants, and low humidity
- Type 2 diabetes(neuropathy, poor glycemic control)
Hoarseness Diagnosis
Proper hoarseness diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. A healthcare provider may use several methods to diagnose the cause of hoarseness, including:
Hoarseness Treatment
Treatment options for hoarseness depend on the underlying cause and may include:
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Book an Appointment- Resting the Voice: Reducing or avoiding vocal strain.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to keep the vocal cords moist.
- Medications: Using hoarseness medicine like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Voice Therapy: Working with a speech therapist to improve vocal techniques.
- Addressing Underlying Conditions: Treating infections, allergies, or GERD as necessary.
Preventing Hoarseness Throat Pain
Some self-care methods and home treatments can ease the signs of laryngitis and reduce tension in the voice:
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke Breathing smoke can irritate the vocal cords and larynx and can dry out the throat.
- Wash your hands frequently. Hoarseness is often caused by a viral infection of the respiratory tract. Washing your hands can help prevent germs from spreading and keep you healthy.
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least eight glasses of 8 ounces of water a day. Liquids thin the mucus in the throat and keep it moist.
- Avoid fluids that dehydrate your body. These include caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages. They can work as diuretics and cause you to lose water.
- Try to resist the urge to clear your throat This can increase inflammation of the vocal cords and general irritation of the throat.
