Hoarseness

Hoarseness

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow

Medical Author: Steven E. Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is hoarseness?
• What causes hoarseness?
• What are the signs and symptoms of hoarseness?
• How are the causes of hoarseness diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for hoarseness?
• How is hoarseness prevented?
• Hoarseness At A Glance

What is hoarseness?

Hoarseness is an abnormal deep, harsh voice caused by a variety of conditions.

What causes hoarseness?

Hoarseness is generally caused by irritation of, or injury to, the vocal cords. The larynx (also referred to as the voice box), is the portion of the respiratory (breathing) tract containing the vocal cords. The cartilaginous outer wall of the larynx is commonly referred to as the "Adams apple." The vocal cords are two bands of muscle that form a "V" inside the larynx. When we sing or speak, the vocal cords vibrate and produce sound.

Hoarseness can be caused by a number of conditions. The most common cause of hoarseness is acute laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords) caused by an upper respiratory tract infection (usually viral), and less commonly from overuse or misuse of the voice (such as from yelling or singing).

Other causes of hoarseness include:

• benign vocal cord nodules or polyps,
  
  
• gastroesophageal reflux (GERD),
  
  
• allergies,
  
  
• inhalation of irritants/smoking,
  
  
• thyroid problems,
  
  
• trauma to the larynx/vocal cords,
  
  
• neurological conditions (Parkinson's disease and strokes), and
  
  
• cancer of the larynx.