Hoarse voice: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File: | | name = Hoarse voice | ||
| image = [[File:Human_Larynx_Model_(50692886813).jpg|thumb|Larynx model]] | |||
== | | caption = Model of the human larynx | ||
| field = [[Otolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Dysphonia | |||
| symptoms = [[Hoarseness]], [[raspy voice]], [[strained voice]] | |||
| complications = [[Vocal cord nodules]], [[laryngitis]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Varies, depending on cause | |||
| causes = [[Viral infection]], [[vocal strain]], [[allergies]], [[smoking]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[excessive voice use]], [[allergies]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Laryngoscopy]], [[voice assessment]] | |||
| differential = [[Laryngitis]], [[vocal cord paralysis]], [[thyroid disease]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding [[smoking]], [[hydration]], [[voice rest]] | |||
| treatment = [[Voice therapy]], [[medication]], [[surgery]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Hoarseness''', medically termed as '''dysphonia''', is a common voice disorder where the voice sounds breathy, raspy, strained, or exhibits changes in volume or pitch. It can be accompanied by a scratchy feeling in the throat. | '''Hoarseness''', medically termed as '''dysphonia''', is a common voice disorder where the voice sounds breathy, raspy, strained, or exhibits changes in volume or pitch. It can be accompanied by a scratchy feeling in the throat. | ||
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== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Hoarseness is primarily a symptom of issues affecting the vocal folds in the larynx (voice box). | Hoarseness is primarily a symptom of issues affecting the vocal folds in the larynx (voice box). | ||
=== Common Causes === | === Common Causes === | ||
* '''Laryngitis''': Often resulting from an upper respiratory infection, cold, or allergies. | * '''Laryngitis''': Often resulting from an upper respiratory infection, cold, or allergies. | ||
* '''Vocal Strain''': Caused by excessive yelling, prolonged talking, singing loudly, or speaking in an unnatural pitch. | * '''Vocal Strain''': Caused by excessive yelling, prolonged talking, singing loudly, or speaking in an unnatural pitch. | ||
* '''Environmental Factors''': Exposure to irritants like smoke or dust. | * '''Environmental Factors''': Exposure to irritants like smoke or dust. | ||
[[File:Depiction of a person suffering from Dysphonia (Hoarseness).png|thumb|left|Close-up of vocal folds, integral to voice production.]] | |||
[[File:Depiction of a person suffering from Dysphonia (Hoarseness).png|thumb| | |||
== Symptoms and Associated Conditions == | == Symptoms and Associated Conditions == | ||
* '''Changes in Voice''': The voice may sound breathy, raspy, weaker in volume, or different in pitch. | * '''Changes in Voice''': The voice may sound breathy, raspy, weaker in volume, or different in pitch. | ||
* '''Throat Discomfort''': A feeling of scratchiness or unease in the throat. | * '''Throat Discomfort''': A feeling of scratchiness or unease in the throat. | ||
* '''Persistent Cough''': Sometimes accompanying the hoarseness. | * '''Persistent Cough''': Sometimes accompanying the hoarseness. | ||
=== Related Conditions === | === Related Conditions === | ||
* [[Laryngitis]] | * [[Laryngitis]] | ||
* [[Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps]] | * [[Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps]] | ||
* [[Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)]] | * [[Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)]] | ||
== Diagnosis and Evaluation == | == Diagnosis and Evaluation == | ||
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination of the throat, voice analysis, and sometimes laryngoscopy to view the vocal cords. | Diagnosis often involves a physical examination of the throat, voice analysis, and sometimes laryngoscopy to view the vocal cords. | ||
== Treatment and Management == | == Treatment and Management == | ||
The primary treatment for hoarseness is resting the voice. Other treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include: | The primary treatment for hoarseness is resting the voice. Other treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include: | ||
* '''Voice Therapy''': Especially if caused by vocal strain. | * '''Voice Therapy''': Especially if caused by vocal strain. | ||
* '''Medication''': For infections or allergies. | * '''Medication''': For infections or allergies. | ||
* '''Lifestyle Changes''': Avoiding irritants, smoking cessation, and managing GERD. | * '''Lifestyle Changes''': Avoiding irritants, smoking cessation, and managing GERD. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventive measures include proper voice technique, avoiding vocal strain, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants. | Preventive measures include proper voice technique, avoiding vocal strain, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants. | ||
== When to Seek Medical Attention == | == When to Seek Medical Attention == | ||
Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions. | Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions. | ||
== Global Prevalence and Impact == | == Global Prevalence and Impact == | ||
Hoarseness is a common condition worldwide, affecting people of all ages. It can significantly impact quality of life, particularly for those who use their voice professionally. | Hoarseness is a common condition worldwide, affecting people of all ages. It can significantly impact quality of life, particularly for those who use their voice professionally. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Vocal Health]] | * [[Vocal Health]] | ||
* [[Respiratory System]] | * [[Respiratory System]] | ||
* [[Speech-Language Pathology]] | * [[Speech-Language Pathology]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* [https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/hoarseness/ ENT Health - Hoarseness] | * [https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/hoarseness/ ENT Health - Hoarseness] | ||
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374250 Mayo Clinic - Laryngitis] | * [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374250 Mayo Clinic - Laryngitis] | ||
* [https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/hoarseness/ American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - Hoarseness] | * [https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/hoarseness/ American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - Hoarseness] | ||
[[Category:Voice Disorders]] | [[Category:Voice Disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory System]] | [[Category:Respiratory System]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and Signs in Healthcare]] | [[Category:Symptoms and Signs in Healthcare]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:43, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Hoarse voice | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Dysphonia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hoarseness, raspy voice, strained voice |
| Complications | Vocal cord nodules, laryngitis |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies, depending on cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Viral infection, vocal strain, allergies, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Risks | Smoking, excessive voice use, allergies |
| Diagnosis | Laryngoscopy, voice assessment |
| Differential diagnosis | Laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, thyroid disease |
| Prevention | Avoiding smoking, hydration, voice rest |
| Treatment | Voice therapy, medication, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Hoarseness, medically termed as dysphonia, is a common voice disorder where the voice sounds breathy, raspy, strained, or exhibits changes in volume or pitch. It can be accompanied by a scratchy feeling in the throat.
Causes[edit]
Hoarseness is primarily a symptom of issues affecting the vocal folds in the larynx (voice box).
Common Causes[edit]
- Laryngitis: Often resulting from an upper respiratory infection, cold, or allergies.
- Vocal Strain: Caused by excessive yelling, prolonged talking, singing loudly, or speaking in an unnatural pitch.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to irritants like smoke or dust.

Symptoms and Associated Conditions[edit]
- Changes in Voice: The voice may sound breathy, raspy, weaker in volume, or different in pitch.
- Throat Discomfort: A feeling of scratchiness or unease in the throat.
- Persistent Cough: Sometimes accompanying the hoarseness.
Related Conditions[edit]
Diagnosis and Evaluation[edit]
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination of the throat, voice analysis, and sometimes laryngoscopy to view the vocal cords.
Treatment and Management[edit]
The primary treatment for hoarseness is resting the voice. Other treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Voice Therapy: Especially if caused by vocal strain.
- Medication: For infections or allergies.
- Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding irritants, smoking cessation, and managing GERD.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include proper voice technique, avoiding vocal strain, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants.
When to Seek Medical Attention[edit]
Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.
Global Prevalence and Impact[edit]
Hoarseness is a common condition worldwide, affecting people of all ages. It can significantly impact quality of life, particularly for those who use their voice professionally.



