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.

Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice

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.

• Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux)
• Allergies
• Breathing in irritating substances
• Cancer of the throat or larynx
• Chroniccoughing
• Colds or upper respiratory infections
• Heavy smoking or drinking, especially together
• Overuse or abuse of the voice (as in shouting or singing)

Other causes include:

• Aneurysms of the upper aorta
• Breathing tube orbronchoscopy
• Damage to the nerves attached to the voice
• Foreign object in the esophagus or trachea
• Ingesting a harsh chemical liquid
• Puberty
• Thyroid or lung cancer
• Underactive thyroid gland
• Vocal cord nodules
• Weakness of muscles around the voice box caused by nerve or muscle disorders

Images

Throat anatomy

Review Date: 11/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Unviersity 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)