Hoarseness or changing voice

Definition

Hoarseness is described as having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound weak, excessively breathy, scratchy, or husky.

Alternative Names

Considerations

Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness are associated with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis).

Persistent hoarseness (hoarseness that lingers for weeks or months) may be caused by a variety of problems ranging from trivial to dangerous.

Causes

• Laryngitis

• Excessive use of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
• Allergies
• Inhaling irritating substances
• Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
• Coughing (may be caused by allergies or some diseases such as bronchitis)
• In children, prolonged or excessive crying
• Viral illness
• Gastric reflux (acid from the stomach irritating the voice box)

• Heavy smoking and drinking, especially in combination
• Overall weakness caused by other diseases
• Tonsillitis
• Ingestion of a caustic liquid
• Foreign body in the esophagus or trachea (see foreign object aspiration or ingestion)
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Postnasal drip
• Vocal cord nodules or paralysis (post-surgical)
• Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
• Puberty
• Cancer of the voice box (laryngeal cancer)