Hoarse voice
Hoarse Voice
A hoarse voice, also known as dysphonia[1], is a condition characterized by an abnormal change in the quality of the voice, making it sound breathy, raspy, strained, or show changes in volume or pitch[2].
Pronunciation
- UK: /hɔːs vɔɪs/
- US: /hɔrs voɪs/
Etymology
The term "hoarse" comes from the Old English "hās", meaning "rough, coarse, harsh"[3]. The term "voice" comes from the Latin "vox", which means "voice" or "sound"[4].
Symptoms
Symptoms of a hoarse voice may include a breathy, raspy, or strained voice, or changes in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is). Other symptoms may include pain or discomfort when speaking or swallowing, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and frequent throat clearing[5].
Causes
A hoarse voice can be caused by a number of conditions, including:
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often caused by a viral infection or overuse of the voice.
- Vocal cord nodules: Small, non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords caused by vocal abuse.
- Vocal cord polyps: Soft, swollen, blister-like lesions on the vocal cords.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords.
- Thyroid disorders: Conditions that affect the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can cause a hoarse voice.
Treatment
Treatment for a hoarse voice depends on the underlying cause. This may include voice therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery[6][7][8].
Related Terms
- Dysphonia: A general term for voice disorders.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often causing a hoarse voice.
- Vocal cord nodules: Small, non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords.
- Vocal cord polyps: Soft, swollen, blister-like lesions on the vocal cords.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition that can cause a hoarse voice.
- Thyroid disorders: Conditions that can cause a hoarse voice.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hoarse voice
- Wikipedia's article - Hoarse voice
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