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Hoarseness or Changing Voice
Alternate Names : Dysphonia, Loss of Voice, Voice Strain
Definition
Hoarseness is described as having 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.
Pictures & Images
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Overview & 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.
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• Definition
• Overview & Considerations
• Common Causes
• Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Allergies
• Bronchitis
• Laryngitis
• Mononucleosis
• Tonsillitis
Tests & Exams
• Blood Differential
• Bronchoscopy
• CBC
• Laryngoscopy
• Neck X-Ray
• Throat Swab Culture
Other Topics
• Acute
• Benign
• Chronic
• Cough
• Crying - Excessive (0-6 Months)
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Foreign Object Aspiration or Ingestion
• Malaise
• Muscle Function Loss
• Nasal Discharge
• Nodules
• Sore Throat
• Strains
• Weakness
Review Date : 10/27/2003
Reviewed By : James L. Demetroulakos M.D. F.A.C.S., Department Of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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