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.

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.

• 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)

Other causes include:

• 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
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Postnasal drip
• Vocal cord nodules or paralysis (post-surgical)
• Bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
• Puberty
• Cancer of the voice box (laryngeal cancer)

Hoarseness may be acute or chronic, but is treated the same in most cases.

Rest and time are really the only way to cure hoarseness that is not associated with other symptoms. This kind of hoarseness is very resistant to medical therapy. Crying, shouting, and excessive talking or singing will only worsen the problem. Be patient, the healing process may take several days. Don't talk unless it is absolutely necessary and avoid whispering. Whispering can strain the vocal cords more than speaking does.

Gargling has no therapeutic effect on the vocal cords. Avoid decongestants because they dry the vocal cords and prolong irritation. If you smoke, reduce or stop smoking.

Humidifying the air with a vaporizer or drinking fluids can offer some relief.

Other underlying disorders such as bronchitis, allergies, laryngitis, or alcoholism should be treated.

Make an appointment with a health care provider if:

• There is difficulty in breathing or swallowing along with the hoarseness.
• Hoarseness is accompanied by drooling, especially in a small child.
• Hoarseness is present in a child less than 3 months old.
• Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult.

If there is severe difficulty breathing, the first priority is to ensure normal breathing. This may require the placement of a breathing tube. Once the condition is stable, the doctor will examine the throat and mouth. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history, including:

• Quality
  • Did you lose your voice completely?
  • Is the voice weak?
  • Does it sound breathy, scratchy, or husky?
• Time pattern
  • Does the voice change persist?
  • Does the voice change occur repeatedly (recurrent)?
  • Has the condition worsened gradually over time?
  • At what age did the voice change begin?
  • How long has you had this symptom?
• Aggravating factors
  • Have you been shouting, singing, or otherwise overusing your voice?
  • Has you been exposed to irritating fumes?
  • Has your swallowed a caustic liquid?
  • Have you swallowed a foreign object?
  • Do you use alcohol?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you have a history of allergies?
  • If an infant or child, has there been prolonged crying?
  • Have you had recent surgery or procedure on the mouth or throat?
• Other
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there malaise?
  • Is there coughing?
  • Is there weakness?
  • Is there a sore throat?
  • Is there fatigue?
  • Is there postnasal drip?

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests such as CBC or blood differential
• Throat examination with small mirror
• X-rays of the neck or a CT scan
• Laryngoscopy (visualization of the larynx with a laryngoscope)
• Throat culture

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem.

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2007. 59th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007.