Having a hoarse voice can be an annoyance, though most often than not, loved ones are quite entertained and often do a lot of teasing and joking at your expense. But what exactly happens to make your voice hoarse? What causes it and what is the best treatment for hoarse voice? Finally, what are some ways I can do to prevent it? Today, we at ENT Specialists would like to answer these questions for you.
When your voice endures abnormal changes, the general hoarseness term is implied. The voice will sound raspy, breathy, strained, and the volume and pitch will rise and fall uncontrollably. The sound producing parts, the vocal folds are being inflicted with disorders or other issues.
With many common causes, you can take comfort in knowing that most are not serious, and generally are only short term. Acute laryngitis frequently accompanied with the common cold, is an upper respiratory tract viral infection, or irritation caused by screaming at a sporting event or rock concert or something similar. Hoarseness that is more prolonged is often due to using your voice either too much, too loudly, or improperly over extended periods of time. Another cause of hoarseness in older adults is gastro esophageal reflux. This condition is when stomach acid comes up the swallowing tube and aggravates the vocal folds. The voice is often worse in the morning and improves during the course of the day. Smoking contributes to hoarseness, and being a major cause of throat cancer. If smokers become hoarse, they should see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible.
Additionally, unusual causes for hoarseness can come from allergies, thyroid problems, neurological disorders, trauma to the voice box and occasionally the normal menstrual cycle. Some folks can even become hoarse with advanced aging.
When hoarseness is the result of a common cold or flu, the family physicians and pediatricians are more than qualified. When being hoarse lasts longer than two weeks or has no obvious cause, it should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon or an ear, nose and throat doctor.
– If your voice sounds hoarse longer than 2-3 weeks.
– If the hoarseness seems to be associated with pain not derived from a cold or flu.
– If you are coughing up blood, have difficulty swallowing or have a lump in your neck.
– If you have lost your voice or it has severely been altered lasting more than 3 days.
– Complete loss or severe change in voice lasting longer than a few days.
– Smokers should quit immediately.
– Avoid dehydrating agents like caffeine and alcohol.
– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
– Stay clear of secondhand smoke.
– Keep humidity levels in your home at appropriate levels.
– Avoid spicy foods that trigger acid reflux.
– Minimize using your voice too long or loud.
– Vocalists should seek professional training to use your voice correctly without hindering it with hoarse issues.
– Do not use your voice to speak or sing if you are hoarse.
ENT Specialists encourages you to make an appointment with our friendly staff if you have any concerns about your hoarse voice. We will perform some tests and evaluations to determine the cause and prescribe the right treatment. Call us today!
