Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice
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.
Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness are associated with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis).
Hoarseness that lingers for weeks or months may be caused by a variety of problems. Some causes are minor, while others are serious.
Other causes include:
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