Hoarse Voice
Hoarse Voice Causes
Some causes of laryngitis are: viral infection, bacterial or fungal infection, inflammation due to overuse of the vocal cords, excessive coughing, excessive alcohol consumption, and excessive smoking.
Hoarse Voice Definition
Laryngitis (hoarse voice) is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) due to overuse, irritation or infection. Inside the larynx are the vocal cords ? two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage.
Hoarse Voice Diagnosis
The most typical sign of laryngitis is hoarseness. Changes in the voice can vary with the degree of infection or irritation, ranging from mild hoarseness to almost total loss of the voice. The doctor may ask whether the patient smokes or has any health conditions ? such as a cold or allergies ? that may be causing vocal irritation.
Hoarse Voice Symptoms and Signs
Signs and symptoms of laryngitis can include hoarseness, weak voice or voice loss, tickling sensation and rawness of the throat, sore throat, dry throat, dry cough, anf difficulty breathing in children.
Hoarse Voice Treatment
Treatment for laryngitis depends on the underlying cause, though acute laryngitis caused by a virus often gets better on its own within a week or so. Home treatment can help with symptoms: breathe moist air, rest the voice as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine), treat the underlying cause of laryngitis, such as heartburn, smoking or alcoholism, suck lozenges, gargle salt water or chew a piece of gum ? this won't help the vocal cords, but can ease throat irritation.