Hoarseness is a disturbance of the vocal cords characterized by alterations in the tone, which becomes lower, and the timbre of the voice that becomes harsher. The person affected by the drop in voice struggles to speak with a natural tone. The condition is the expression of an inflammation of the larynx which may in turn depend on the presence of certain diseases.
Hoarseness is not always a symptom of a serious disease. The cause may in fact reside in a sore throat or in abuse of the voice. In these cases the condition resolves in a few days.
What kind of diseases can be associated with hoarseness?
The following diseases may be associated with hoarseness:
- Inflammation of the larynx
- Myasthenia gravis
- PCOS
- Cancers of the larynx
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case in symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for hoarseness?
It is not easy to draw up remedies for hoarseness, because hoarseness itself is not a disease, but it is a common symptom of other diseases. It is therefore necessary to treat the base disease.
In general, however, rest of the voice improves the patient’s condition, regardless of the cause. People with this condition should avoid to overly straining the vocal cords by talking or whispering.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of hoarseness?
In the event of hoarseness, it is always good to consult your doctor, especially if you are suffering from a disease related to this disorder (see list of associated diseases).
