Dysphonia

Alternative names

Voice strain; Hoarseness or changing voice; Loss of voice

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.

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

Illness:

• Laryngitis
  

Irritation from:

• 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 (see foreign object aspiration or ingestion)
  
• Infectious mononucleosis
  
• Postnasal drip
  
• Vocal cord nodules or paralysis (post-surgical)
  
• Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
  
• Puberty
  
• Cancer of the voice box (laryngeal cancer)
  

Home Care
Hoarseness may be acute or chronic, but is treated the same in most cases.

Rest and time are really the only way to cure hoarseness that is not associated with other symptoms. This kind of hoarseness is very resistant to medical therapy. Crying, shouting, and excessive talking or singing will only worsen the problem. Be patient, the healing process may take several days. Don't talk unless it is absolutely necessary and avoid whispering. Whispering can strain the vocal cords more than speaking does.