Hoarseness
Hoarseness
Hoarseness (/ˈhɔːrsnəs/), also known as dysphonia, is a symptom characterized by an abnormal change in the voice. The voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or show changes in volume or pitch. Hoarseness is often caused by a problem in the vocal cords, which are part of the larynx.
Etymology
The term "hoarseness" comes from the Old English hārs, meaning "rough, coarse, harsh". The term "dysphonia" is derived from the Greek words dys meaning "bad" or "difficult" and phone meaning "voice".
Causes
Hoarseness 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 digestive disorder that can cause stomach acid to back up into the throat and damage the vocal cords.
- Thyroid disease: Conditions affecting the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism, can cause hoarseness.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease or a stroke can affect the nerves controlling the vocal cords.
Treatment
Treatment for hoarseness depends on the underlying cause. It may include:
- Resting the voice
- Hydration
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- Medications to treat infections or reflux
- Speech therapy
- Surgery for vocal cord nodules or polyps
Related Terms
- Aphonia: Complete loss of voice.
- Dysarthria: Difficulty articulating words.
- Phoniatrics: The study and treatment of disorders of the voice and speech.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hoarseness
- Wikipedia's article - Hoarseness
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