What is Hoarseness

Hoarseness, also called dysphonia, is any abnormal change in your voice that can make it difficult to speak. Your voice may sound raspy, breathy, or strained.

Hoarseness is caused by a problem with your vocal cords (vocal folds). These are two bands of tissue inside your voice box (larynx). When you speak, your vocal cords move back and forth to create sound. The surfaces of your vocal cords need to be smooth for your voice to sound clear. Swelling or lumps on your vocal cords can cause hoarseness.

Common causes of vocal cord problems include:

• Infection in the nose, throat, and upper air passages (upper respiratory infection).
• A long-term cough.
• Straining or overusing your voice.
• Smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Allergies.
• Medication side effects.
• Vocal cord growths.
• Vocal cord injuries.
• Stomach acids that move up in your throat and irritate your vocal cords (gastroesophageal reflux).
• Diseases that affect the nervous system, such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease.

Follow these instructions at home:

Watch your condition for any changes. To ease discomfort and protect your vocal cords:

• Rest your voice.
• Do not whisper. Whispering can cause muscle strain.
• Do not speak in a loud or harsh voice.
• Avoid coughing or clearing your throat.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Do not eat foods that give you heartburn, such as spicy or acidic foods like hot peppers and orange juice. Heartburn can make gastroesophageal reflux worse.
• Do not drink beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, or soft drinks) or alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor).
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.

If recommended by your health care provider, schedule an appointment with a speech-language specialist. This specialist may give you methods to try that can help you avoid misusing your voice.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have hoarseness that lasts longer than 3 weeks.
• You almost lose or completely lose your voice for more than 3 days.
• You have pain when you swallow or try to talk.
• You feel a lump in your neck.

Get help right away if:

• You have trouble swallowing.
• You feel like you are choking when you swallow.
• You cough up blood or vomit blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You choke, cannot swallow, or cannot breathe if you lie flat.
• You notice swelling or a rash on your body, face, or tongue.

Summary

• Hoarseness, also called dysphonia, is any abnormal change in your voice that can make it difficult to speak. Your voice may sound raspy, breathy, or strained.
• Hoarseness is caused by a problem with your vocal cords (vocal folds).
• Do not speak in a loud or harsh voice, use nicotine or tobacco products, or eat foods that give you heartburn.
• If recommended by your health care provider, meet with a speech-language specialist.