Hoarseness is described as having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound weak, excessively 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).
Persistent hoarseness (hoarseness that lingers for weeks or months) may be caused by a variety of problems ranging from trivial to dangerous.
Common Causes
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Laryngitis - Excessive use of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
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Allergies - Inhaling irritating substances
- Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
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Coughing (may be caused by allergies or some diseases such asbronchitis ) - In children, prolonged or
excessive crying - Viral illness
- Gastric reflux (acid from the stomach irritating the voice box)
Other causes include:
- Heavy smoking and drinking, especially in combination
- Overall weakness caused by other diseases
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Tonsillitis - Ingestion of a caustic liquid
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Foreign body in the esophagus or trachea -
Infectious mononucleosis -
Postnasal drip - Vocal cord
nodules orparalysis (post-surgical) -
Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary) - Puberty
- Cancer of the voice box (laryngeal cancer)
