Hoarseness – Hajela Hospital Research Centre

Hoarseness is a condition characterized by an abnormal change in the voice, causing it to sound raspy, harsh, or strained. It is a common symptom and can be caused by various factors, both benign and more serious. Hoarseness is typically a result of problems in the vocal cords, which are responsible for producing sound when we speak or sing.

The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are located in the larynx (voice box) in the throat. When they vibrate as air passes through them, they produce sound. Any disruption or irregularity in the movement or function of the vocal cords can lead to hoarseness.

There are numerous potential causes of hoarseness, including:

Acute Laryngitis: This is often caused by viral infections, excessive voice use, or exposure to irritants like smoke. It results in temporary hoarseness.

Chronic Laryngitis:

Repeated irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords, often due to smoking, acid reflux, or chronic exposure to irritants.

Vocal Cord Nodules or Polyps:

These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords, often due to vocal strain or misuse.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid can irritate the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness.

Voice Overuse or Misuse:

Shouting, screaming, or excessive talking can strain the vocal cords.

Smoking:

Smoking can irritate and damage the vocal cords.

Neurological Conditions:

Conditions affecting the nerves controlling the vocal cords can lead to hoarseness.

Infections:

Bacterial or fungal infections can affect the larynx and cause hoarseness.

Thyroid Issues:

Thyroid disorders can affect the voice due to their proximity to the larynx.

Tumors:

Although rare, cancerous or noncancerous tumors in the larynx can cause hoarseness.

It’s important to note that hoarseness lasting for more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the throat and larynx, sometimes aided by imaging or endoscopic procedures.

Treatment for hoarseness depends on the underlying cause. It may include voice rest, lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking, managing acid reflux), voice therapy, medications, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention.

Preventing hoarseness often involves practicing good vocal hygiene, which includes staying hydrated, avoiding irritants, and not straining the voice. If you experience persistent hoarseness or any concerning changes in your voice, it is advisable to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Here are some general treatment methods for hoarseness:

Rest Your Voice:

One of the most common causes of hoarseness is vocal strain. Resting your voice by avoiding shouting, whispering, and excessive talking can help your vocal cords recover.
Hydration:

Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining vocal cord health. Drink plenty of water to keep the mucous membranes in your throat lubricated.

Humidify the Air:

Dry air can irritate the throat and vocal cords. Using a humidifier in your living space can help maintain an optimal level of humidity.

Avoid Irritants:

Stay away from smoke, environmental pollutants, and irritants that can affect your vocal cords. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can be especially harmful.

Vocal Exercises:

Working with a speech therapist or vocal coach can help improve your vocal technique and reduce strain. They can teach you exercises to strengthen and relax your vocal cords.

Medications:

If hoarseness is caused by an infection, such as laryngitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (if it’s bacterial) or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Allergy Management:

If allergies are contributing to hoarseness, antihistamines or allergy medications may help alleviate symptoms.

Throat Lozenges:

Over-the-counter throat lozenges or sprays containing soothing ingredients like menthol or honey can provide temporary relief from hoarseness.

Steam Inhalatio

Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a warm, moist towel around your neck can help soothe your vocal cords and relieve hoarseness.

Speech Therapy:

For persistent or chronic hoarseness, speech therapy may be recommended to improve vocal technique, pitch, and resonance.
Surgery (in severe cases):

The following are some general tips to prevent hoarseness:

Don’t stay thirsty:

It is very important to drink enough water to avoid throat irritation and constipation problems.

Proper diet:

Reduce the intake of irritating things like chillies, spices, tomatoes, lemon, acidic foods, as these can irritate the throat more.

Warm water and Garam Purvan practice:

Clearing the throat with warm water and doing Garam Purvan practice can reduce swelling of the throat.

Dried Ginger and Honey:

A mixture of dried ginger and honey can reduce throat pain.

Relaxation and rest:

Taking more rest and sleeping on time can relieve throat problems.

Smoking and alcohol:

Reduce or completely stop tobacco and alcohol consumption, as they can increase throat problems.

Correct intake of medicines:

If you are having throat problems again and again, then take the medicines correctly as per the doctor’s advice.

If the problem of hoarseness persists for a long time and is not getting better with appropriate measures, you should consult a doctor, as it could also be a sign of some other serious problem.

Here are some common hoarse throat treatment tips:

Warm water gargle:

Gargling with warm water can be helpful in case of sore throat. Mix salt in hot water and drink it hot and then gargle with hot water. This can reduce swelling of the throat.

Drinking cold water:

Drinking cold water at the time of sore throat can improve the swelling of the throat.

Special diet:

Be careful and take appropriate diet to avoid diabetes, acidity, cold and cough at the time of sore throat.

Rest and care:

Rest your throat and be careful about talking and eating and drinking.

Milk and honey:

Drinking milk and honey mixed can improve throat pain.

Dry cough medicine:

If you have a dry cough, take dry cough medicine as recommended by your doctor.

However, if the problem of hoarseness is severe or is becoming more frequent day by day, you should consult a doctor, as it may be a sign of a serious health problem.