Almost everyone has dealt with a hoarse voice. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 1 in 3 people will have hoarseness at some point in their lives.
Most causes of hoarseness are not serious and will often clear up on their own. However, sometimes, it can be a symptom of a condition that requires further medical treatment. If you are wondering what’s causing your raspy voice at work or when ordering an espresso at Clerks Coffee Company, let’s check out a few of the more common causes.
Symptoms of Hoarseness
While the most apparent symptom of hoarseness is a raspy or breathy voice, you may also notice that:
- You are speaking softer or more quietly than usual.
- Your voice sounds higher or lower than normal.
- You sound like you’re struggling to speak.
Causes of Hoarseness
While not an exhaustive list, some common causes of hoarseness include:
- Laryngitis. One of the most common causes of hoarseness laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box). It can be caused by a cold or the flu, or less commonly, bacterial or fungal infections.
- Acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow up into the esophagus and sometimes even reach the back of the throat and vocal cords. When this happens, it is referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or silent reflux. People with LPR often don’t experience heartburn but do have a sore throat and hoarseness. Hoarseness is often worse first thing in the morning when caused by reflux.
- Vocal cord nodules. Noncancerous growths can form on your vocal folds and interfere with your ability to speak normally. They often occur when people overuse their voices. Vocal cord nodules might be more likely to develop if you have a profession where you use your voice a lot, like a lecturer or singer.
- Allergies. Though not commonly thought of as an allergy symptom, allergies can cause mucus to drain down your throat. This postnasal drip can inflame your vocal cords and lead to a raspy voice.
In some cases, chronic hoarseness can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as neurological problems or cancer. However, in these cases, hoarseness will usually be accompanied by other symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Visit your doctor if you have hoarseness that lasts beyond a few days. While it may just be caused by a cold or something else that will resolve on its own, you may also need medications for acid reflux, allergies or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.