There are many causes of hoarseness, but not all are a cause for concern. Chronic hoarseness, lasting longer than 2 weeks, can be a symptom of vocal cord fatigue and stress, but also of serious diseases such as laryngeal cancer, hypothyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux disease or allergy.

Anyhoarsenessthat lasts more than 3-4 weeks is enough reason to visit an ENT specialist. However, do not panic as there are many causes of this ailment.Chronic hoarsenessmay be associated with e.g. overload of the vocal cords or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Hoarseness and chronic laryngitis

The cause of this disease may be repeated acute laryngitis, abuse of voice, e.g. by teachers, smoking, alcohol abuse, and being in polluted or overheated air. Irritation of the larynx usually causes changes in the vocal cords - thickening of the strings or atrophy of the mucosa, which is manifested by hoarseness, dry cough, scratching or burning in the throat. If left untreated, chronic laryngitis sometimes leads to precancerous conditions.

Chrypka and reflux

Hoarseness is sometimes a symptom of acid reflux disease, a chronic inflammation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux. This can cause swelling at the edges of the vocal folds and the back of the larynx. Hoarseness is then accompanied by pain and burning in the larynx and the feeling of having a foreign body in the throat. Of course, treating hoarseness due to reflux disease requires treating the underlying disease, not just relieving the larynx ailments. Then it is worth visiting a gastroenterologist.

Hoarseness and hormonal disorders

Hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism or estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women, may be the cause of hoarseness and voice deepening. In the case of hypothyroidism, thickening of the voice and hoarseness may be accompanied, among others, by constant tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, swelling of the face and eyelids. You need to consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist.

Chrypka and allergy

Hoarseness, accompanied by wheezing, worsening breathlessness and breaking of the voice, may be a symptom of allergy-induced laryngeal edema oran impending asthma attack. Sudden allergic swelling is dangerous (it can even cause suffocation) and requires prompt medical attention.

Hoarseness and laryngeal cancer

Hoarseness is also the first symptom of laryngeal cancer, which is directly related to smoking. Other symptoms of this cancer include earache, cough, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, general weakness. Early detection of cancer offers a chance for laryngeal sparing treatment. If the cancer is advanced, the ENT specialist must remove it completely, which unfortunately results in the loss of the ability to speak, adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy) and long rehabilitation.

Hoarseness and polyps and lumps in the larynx

So-called Singing nodules are small growths on the vocal folds that result from overloading the vocal cords, for example in teachers, or from chronic inflammation. They can cause hoarseness and even a temporary loss of voice. The diaphragm-rib breathing, which spares the vocal cords, is helpful in this ailment - it can be learned during the voice emission workshops. Polyps are surgically removed as they can block the trachea.

Hoarseness and papillomas of the vocal cords

Papillomas form on the vocal cords after infection with the virus, and can also spread to the trachea. Papilloma-induced hoarseness is often associated with shortness of breath. in adults, papillomas are surgically removed, and in children, vaccines are used to immunize.

Hoarseness can cause severe stress

Hoarseness, coughing, grunting or sudden loss of voice can be the result of severe stress and neurological disorders. Sometimes the help of a neurologist or psychiatrist is necessary.

"Zdrowie" monthly

Category:

He alth