Hoarseness or changing voice

Alternative names:

dysphonia; loss of voice; voice strain

Definition:

Difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice; the voice may sound weak, excessively breathy, scratchy, or husky.

Considerations:

Hoarseness is usually caused by a problem in the vocal cords. Most cases of hoarseness are associated with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis).

Persistent hoarseness (hoarseness that lingers for weeks or months) may be caused by a variety of problems ranging from trivial to dangerous.

Common causes:

Illness:

• laryngitis

Irritation from:

• excessive use of the voice (as in shouting or singing)
• allergies
• inhaling irritating substances
• excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
• coughing (may be caused by allergies or some diseases such as bronchitis)
• in children, prolonged or excessive crying

Other causes include:

• heavy smoking and drinking, especially in combination
• overall weakness caused by other diseases
• tonsillitis
• ingestion of a caustic liquid
• foreign body in the esophagus or trachea (see foreign object aspiration or ingestion)
• infectious mononucleosis
• postnasal drip
• vocal cord nodules or paralysis (post-surgical)
• bronchoscopy or other tests (temporary)
• puberty

Note: There may be other causes of hoarseness or changing voice. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hoarseness or changing voice, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.