Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Hoarseness Of Voice?
Question: I seem to have a sensitive throat/vocal chords. I often get a hoarse voice from exercising outdoors in cold weather, for instance. But most recently it seems that Nicorette gum is causing the problem. Does this sound plausible? I have used Nicorette on and off for many years but just recently it seems to be causing hoarseness of voice. Please advise.
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get your throat examined, preferably with an angled endoscope to check for lymphoid tissue hypertrophy in the throat and to look for signs of irritation of the throat, larynx and vocal cords. Acid reflux can also lead to similar symptoms.
2. The hoarseness that you get after exercising may be related to the cold weather (change in temperatures), exercise induced asthma or it may also be related to the food consumed before the exercise.
3. Nicorette gum can cause a sore throat due to irritation, however it is not a major side effect. Discontinuing the gum will settle the issue.
4. If you upload a few images of the vocal cords, it will help.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get your throat examined, preferably with an angled endoscope to check for lymphoid tissue hypertrophy in the throat and to look for signs of irritation of the throat, larynx and vocal cords. Acid reflux can also lead to similar symptoms.
2. The hoarseness that you get after exercising may be related to the cold weather (change in temperatures), exercise induced asthma or it may also be related to the food consumed before the exercise.
3. Nicorette gum can cause a sore throat due to irritation, however it is not a major side effect. Discontinuing the gum will settle the issue.
4. If you upload a few images of the vocal cords, it will help.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. Bhatti for your reply. What would it mean if I have lymphoid tissue hypertrophy? You said that discontinuing the gum will settle the issue, so perhaps I should try a few days without the gum to see if that resolves the issue first before going for an expensive examination with an endoscope? Or do you feel I should get this examination right away? If so, is it because you think my voice hoarseness could be a symptom of something more serious like throat cancer?
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. There is a large amount of tonsil-like (lymphoid) tissue scattered throughout the throat. If this is inflamed, the throat becomes sensitive. This is a treatable condition.
2. Yes, you should discontinue the gum and re-evaluate. This is the simplest option.
3. Videolaryngoscopy is usually a relatively inexpensive examination, but if this cost is high coupled with consultation fees, you can safely delay this by a few days.
4. Hoarseness will usually be due to a variety of reasons. Throat cancer is rare and can be easily ruled out by the videolaryngoscopy. Do not rush into this only to rule out cancer.
5. Throat cancer will have many other symptoms besides hoarseness which will be progressive and will not respond to routine treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. There is a large amount of tonsil-like (lymphoid) tissue scattered throughout the throat. If this is inflamed, the throat becomes sensitive. This is a treatable condition.
2. Yes, you should discontinue the gum and re-evaluate. This is the simplest option.
3. Videolaryngoscopy is usually a relatively inexpensive examination, but if this cost is high coupled with consultation fees, you can safely delay this by a few days.
4. Hoarseness will usually be due to a variety of reasons. Throat cancer is rare and can be easily ruled out by the videolaryngoscopy. Do not rush into this only to rule out cancer.
5. Throat cancer will have many other symptoms besides hoarseness which will be progressive and will not respond to routine treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
