What Does Hoarse Mean?
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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 occur with swelling (inflammation) of the larynx (laryngitis).
Hoarseness that continues for weeks or months should be checked by...
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From Our Sources
Hoarseness or changing voice
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice Home Care Hoarseness may be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Rest and time may... Read more »
Hoarseness may be a sign of GERD
Dr. Paul G. Donohue responds to a reader's question about ongoing hoarseness and what might cause such a problem. Dr. Donohue says that hoarseness... Read more »
Hoarseness
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice Prevention References Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology:... Read more »
Laryngeal nerve damage
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Vocal cord paralysisSymptomsDifficulty speakingDifficulty swallowingHoarsenessInjury to the left and right laryngeal nerves at the same time can be... Read more »
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroidSymptomsCoughCoughing up bloodDifficulty swallowingHoarseness or changing voiceLoud breathingLower neck mass,... Read more »
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