Hoarseness

Hoarseness is when your voice becomes raspy, strained, or weak, and it can make speaking or singing difficult. It often happens because of problems with the vocal cords, which are located in the larynx (the voice box) at the top of your windpipe. Hoarseness can last for just a short time, or it can go on for weeks or even months. There are many possible reasons for hoarseness, including infections, lifestyle habits, or more serious conditions.

Common Causes of Hoarseness

1. Viral Infections: Most cases of hoarseness are caused by viral infections, like the common cold or flu. These infections can lead to inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords, making the voice sound hoarse.
2. Laryngitis: This is when the larynx (voice box) becomes inflamed, often due to a viral infection, overuse of the voice (like shouting or singing for long periods), or even smoking.
3. Reflux: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) happens when stomach acid flows back up into the throat. This acid can irritate the vocal cords and lead to hoarseness.
4. Allergies: Pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause allergic reactions that irritate the throat and affect your voice.
5. Smoking: Smoking, especially over a long period, can damage the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. It can also increase the risk of throat cancer.
6. Vocal Strain: Using your voice too much or too loudly, such as yelling or speaking for long periods without rest, can make your voice hoarse.
7. More Serious Conditions: In rare cases, hoarseness can be caused by more serious issues like growths on the vocal cords (polyps, cysts, or nodules), thyroid problems, or cancer.

NHS Information on Hoarseness

There is further useful NHS Information on Laryngitis and also a short video.

Treatment for Hoarseness

Treatment for hoarseness depends on the cause. For most cases, hoarseness goes away on its own with simple home remedies and rest for the voice. Here are some helpful treatments:

1. Rest Your Voice: Giving your voice a break is important. Try to avoid speaking loudly, shouting, or whispering for a few days to let the vocal cords heal.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the vocal cords hydrated and can reduce irritation. Warm teas or water with honey can soothe the throat.
3. Humidify the Air: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may help if the air in your home is dry, especially during the winter months.
4. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoking, secondhand smoke, and other irritants like strong cleaning products or perfumes. These can make hoarseness worse.
5. Over-the-Counter Remedies: Throat lozenges or sprays may temporarily relieve soreness, but they don’t treat the underlying cause of hoarseness.
6. If Symptoms Persist: If your hoarseness lasts more than two weeks, or if you experience other symptoms like pain, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in your throat, it’s important to see a doctor. They may perform tests to identify the cause, such as a laryngoscopy (a procedure to examine the voice box) or other imaging tests.
7. Speech Therapy: If vocal strain is a cause, a speech therapist can help you learn better techniques for speaking and singing to prevent further damage to your voice.

In general, hoarseness caused by infections or minor irritants is usually temporary and can be treated at home. However, if you notice persistent symptoms or other concerning signs, seek medical advice to rule out more serious conditions.