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 asbronchitis ) - 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 orlung cancer -
Tonsillitis - Vocal cord
nodules orparalysis (after surgery)
