Hoarseness Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Voice disorders can occur for various reasons. One of the most common voice disorders is hoarseness.
Hoarseness can occur when a person has abnormalities in the vocal cords or organs located around them. Handling hoarse voice disorders depends on the underlying cause. Treatment can include voice therapy, medication, or surgical procedures.
Symptoms
The main sign and symptom of hoarseness is a change in voice. In addition, this complaint is generally accompanied by pain in the throat.
Reason
Hoarseness can be caused due to various reasons. This condition is usually related to disorders that occur in the organs in the throat – from the larynx to the vocal cords.
The larynx is an organ in the lower throat that is formed from cartilage, muscle, and mucous membranes. It is located above the trachea and below the base of the tongue.
Someone can speak when there is a vibration or vibration in the larynx. The vibrations arise because there is air flowing through the larynx, which causes the vocal cords to move. Furthermore, the vocal cords also function to close the larynx when someone swallows food, to prevent inhaling food or liquid.
When the vocal cords experience inflammation, paralysis, or lumps, the function of the organ can be disrupted, which then causes voice disorders.
Several types of medical conditions that can cause hoarseness are:
- Laryngitis, or inflammation of the larynx.
- Neurological voice disorders (spasmodic dysphonia)
- Presence of polyps, nodules, or cysts on the vocal cords
- Cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions
- Paralysis or weakness of the vocal cords
- The presence of white plaque on the larynx (leukoplakia)
In addition, there are various factors that can contribute to hoarseness, including:
- Aging
- Alcohol consumption
- Allergy
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Neurological disease
- Psychological stress
- Wounds from neck surgery or injuries to the neck
- Smoking
- Throat cancer
- Dehydration
- Thyroid gland disease
- Excessive screaming
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of the disease that causes hoarseness, the doctor will ask questions about the complaints you are experiencing. The doctor will also carry out a direct physical examination.
The doctor can perform several examinations to evaluate the condition of the vocal cords, such as:
- Examination using a mirror. A mirror that has a certain angle can be used to see the structure of the larynx and vocal cords and can show the condition of the vocal cords if there are abnormalities in the surrounding organs.
- Flexible laryngoscope. This examination uses a flexible tube accompanied by a light and a camera that is inserted through the nose.
- Rigid laryngoscope. This examination uses a rigid tube that is inserted through the mouth.
- Sound (acoustic) analysis. This examination uses computer analysis to evaluate for abnormalities in the sound produced by the vocal cords.
- Laryngeal electromyography. This test uses a needle placed in the skin to measure the electrical current in the vocal cord muscles.
Treatment
Handling hoarseness can be done according to the underlying cause of the disorder. Depending on the diagnosis of the disease, treatment may include:
- Rest, adequate fluid intake, and sound therapy. Like any other part of the body, to ensure the normal functioning of the vocal cords, adequate rest and adequate fluid intake are needed.
Speech therapists can guide you to use your voice more efficiently through voice therapy and provide education about the required fluid intake.
- Treatment for allergies. If the hoarseness is caused by excess phlegm production in the throat, the doctor can carry out a further evaluation to determine the trigger for the allergic reaction. Furthermore, based on this the doctor can determine the next steps needed.
- Quit smoking. If hoarseness is caused by smoking, stopping this bad habit will really help improve voice quality. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of various health problems caused by substances found in cigarettes.
- Treatment. Several types of medication can be given to treat hoarseness. Depending on the underlying cause of hoarseness, medication may be given to reduce inflammation, treat gastroesophageal reflux, or prevent the growth of new blood vessels.
- Procedure. Several types of procedures can be performed, depending on the indications. For example, procedures to remove tumorous lesions on the vocal cords, injections of botulinum toxin to reduce abnormal muscle movements, injections of collagen or fat in the vocal cords, and so on.
Prevention
In cases of hoarseness due to certain types of causes, several things can be done, including:
- Avoiding activities that can injure the vocal cords, such as screaming.
- Ensuring that daily water intake is sufficient.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoiding allergy triggers, for individuals who have a history of certain allergies.