What is hoarseness?

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Hoarseness or hoarseness is a common voice change in cases related to dry or itchy throat. This is also a symptom that often stems from problems related to the vocal cords and possibly from laryngitis. If hoarseness persists for more than 10 days, seek medical attention quickly because hoarseness can be caused by other serious medical reasons.

1. Causes of hoarseness

Hoarseness is usually caused by an upper respiratory infection, mainly from a virus. Of these, laryngitis is the most common cause of hoarseness. Laryngitis is a condition in which the larynx or vocal cords become inflamed due to infection, irritation, or "too much" work.
Laryngitis less than 3 weeks is called acute laryngitis. Laryngitis that lasts more than 3 weeks is called chronic laryngitis. There are many causes of laryngitis: viral infections; bacterial infection or environmental factors (smoke, allergens, low humidity...)
Some common causes of hoarseness or worsening hoarseness:
Gastroesophageal reflux Smoking tobacco Drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages Screaming, singing, or other causes of vocal cord “overload” Allergies Inhaling poisons Severe and persistent cough Less common causes of hoarseness :
Polyvocal cord Some cancers of the head, face and neck: thyroid cancer, oropharyngeal cancer or lung cancer Mechanical causes of throat injury such as intubation.
Puberty males (deeper voice) Severe hypothyroidism Thoracic aortic aneurysm Neuromuscular disorders impairing laryngeal function

2. When is hoarseness need to see a doctor?

Hoarseness is generally not an emergency, but it can be related to a number of serious conditions.
Seek medical attention immediately if hoarseness persists for more than 1 week in children and more than 10 days in adults.
See a doctor immediately if hoarseness is accompanied by drooling in a young child or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

3. Measures to reduce hoarseness?

Allow your larynx and vocal cords to rest for a few days: limit talking or shouting. Do not speak in a whisper, as this may aggravate the vocal cords. Drink plenty of water or water-rich fruit: can help relieve symptoms and soothe the throat. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or caffeine: because they can dry out the throat and make hoarseness worse. Use an air humidifier. Take a hot shower. Limit or stop smoking because smoking causes dryness and irritation of the throat. Remove environmental allergens if present. Do not use sprays that dry and irritate the nose. See your doctor if the above measures do not relieve your hoarseness.

4. Can hoarseness be prevented?

Change some behaviors or environmental factors to help protect the vocal cords and larynx and prevent hoarseness:
Stop smoking and avoid passive smoking: Inhaling tobacco smoke irritates the vocal cords and larynx, dry throat. Wash your hands often: Hoarseness is often caused by an upper respiratory infection. Regular hand hygiene helps to reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your throat from drying out. Avoid shouting or talking loudly for long periods of time Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

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Article referenced source: healthline.com