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What Causes Hoarseness In Voice?
I have had a daily random hoarse voice for 5 weeks. Healthy otherwise, no cold, no heartburn. However the last two days I have been having pain in the back of my neck and extreme tightness in my left shoulder by my neck. I have an appointment with an ENT but they cannot get me in for a couple weeks. Is it okay to wait?
Wed, 12 Dec 2018
Hi,
Hoarseness is an abnormal change in the voice. The most common cause of hoarseness is acute laryngitis. However, it can be caused in conjunction with a dry or scratchy throat.
Other common factors that can cause, contribute to, or worsen the condition include: acid reflux, smoking, drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, screaming, overusing vocal cords, allergies, inhaling toxic substances and coughing excessively.
Other causes of hoarseness include:
1. benign vocal cord nodules, cysts or polyps.
2. thyroid problems.
3. cancer of the larynx.
Kindly take decongestant medication along with medicated lozenges. You can also take anti-allergic medication like Levocetirizine.
Give supportive care in the form of steam inhalation and salt water gargling with warm water.
If you get better by these means, you can wait and get it evaluated clinically by consulting ENT Specialist.
If the condition worsens or shows no improvement, you need to seek medical attention promptly.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
Hoarseness is an abnormal change in the voice. The most common cause of hoarseness is acute laryngitis. However, it can be caused in conjunction with a dry or scratchy throat.
Other common factors that can cause, contribute to, or worsen the condition include: acid reflux, smoking, drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, screaming, overusing vocal cords, allergies, inhaling toxic substances and coughing excessively.
Other causes of hoarseness include:
1. benign vocal cord nodules, cysts or polyps.
2. thyroid problems.
3. cancer of the larynx.
Kindly take decongestant medication along with medicated lozenges. You can also take anti-allergic medication like Levocetirizine.
Give supportive care in the form of steam inhalation and salt water gargling with warm water.
If you get better by these means, you can wait and get it evaluated clinically by consulting ENT Specialist.
If the condition worsens or shows no improvement, you need to seek medical attention promptly.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
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