Smoking: Smoking is another cause of hoarseness. The structures in the throat (pharynx, larynx, and lungs) are much more sensitive to stomach acid and digestive enzymes, so smaller amounts of the reflux into this area can result in more damage. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPRD): If the reflux makes it all the way up through the upper sphincter and into the back of the throat, it is called LPRD rather than GERD. These people may have a sensation of a lump or mucus in their throat and have an excessive desire to clear it. Usually, the voice is worse in the morning and improves during the day. Many patients with reflux-related changes of voice do not have heartburn. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): A common cause of hoarseness is gastro-esophageal reflux, when stomach acid comes up the swallowing tube (esophagus) and irritates the vocal cords. It is considered a vocal emergency and should be treated with absolute voice rest and examination by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). Vocal cord hemorrhage occurs when one of the blood vessels on the surface of the vocal cords ruptures and the soft tissues fill with blood. Vocal Hemorrhage: If you experience a sudden loss of voice following a yell or other strenuous vocal use, you may have developed a vocal cord hemorrhage. Vocal cord polyps and cysts also occur in those who misuse their voice, but can also occur in those who do not. Vocal nodules (singers’ nodes) are callus-like growths of the vocal cords. These habits can lead to nodules, polyps, and cysts. Not using amplification when public speakingīenign Vocal Cord Lesions: Prolonged hoarseness can occur when you use your voice too much, or too loudly for extended periods of time.Using inappropriate pitch (too high or too low) when speaking.Telephone use with the handset cradled to the shoulder.Serious injury to the vocal cords can result from strenuous voice use during an episode of acute laryngitis. What are the causes of hoarseness?Īcute Laryngitis: The most common cause is acute laryngitis-swelling of the vocal cords that occurs during a common cold, upper respiratory tract viral infection, or from voice strain. Swelling or lumps on the vocal cords hinder vibration, altering voice quality, volume, and pitch. When speaking or singing, they come together and, as air leaves the lungs, they vibrate, producing sound. While breathing, the vocal cords remain apart. Voice changes are related to disorders in the sound-producing parts (vocal cords or folds) of the voice box (larynx). Abnormal changes in the voice are called “hoarseness.” When hoarse, the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or show changes in volume or pitch (depending on how high or low the voice is).
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