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Hoarseness

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Definition:

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:

• Laryngitis
• Excessive use of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
• Allergies
• Inhaling irritating substances
• Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
• Coughing (may be caused by allergies or some diseases such as bronchitis )
• 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
• Tonsillitis
• Ingestion of a caustic liquid
• Foreign body in the esophagus or trachea
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Postnasal drip
• Vocal cord nodules or paralysis (post-surgical)
• Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
• Puberty
• Cancer of the voice box (laryngeal cancer)

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

Rakel P, ed. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2007 . 59th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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