A harsh and rough sound of the voice, often caused by laryngitis.
An abnormal harshness or distortion in the voice. Hoarseness, medically termed dysphonia, can make the voice sound breathy, strained, or rasping. It can also result in changes in volume or in pitch, ranging from high to low.
Hoarseness refers to a voice that is coarse, raspy, or grating in nature. It typically arises from an irritation or overexertion of the larynx, also known as the voice box.
Temporary hoarseness often results from vocal strain due to excessive usage, which can lead to muscle tension in the larynx. Another common cause is inflammation of the vocal cords, as seen in acute laryngitis.
Chronic hoarseness could result from ongoing irritation of the larynx, which may be attributed to smoking, heavy drinking, chronic bronchitis, or the constant trickle of mucus from the nasal passages. Vocal cord polyps, benign growths, can also lead to hoarseness. In individuals with hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, hoarseness might arise from tissue accumulation on the vocal cords. Among young children, it might be a symptom of croup.
In some instances, ongoing hoarseness in adults could indicate a more serious issue, such as laryngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, or lung cancer.
If the hoarseness is due to voice strain or laryngitis, giving the voice a rest often aids in recovery. However, if the hoarseness continues for over two weeks, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. A laryngoscopy, which involves examining the larynx using a mirror or a more advanced viewing device, may be carried out to rule out any severe underlying conditions.