Hoarseness
is not uncommon, especially following an upper respiratory
tract infection. In this situation, the voice usually returns
to normal when the infection resolves. When hoarseness lasts
longer than several weeks, further evaluation may be indicated.
Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) is one of the most common
causes of chronic voice changes, yet is often unrecognized.
Many individuals with hoarseness from GERD will lack the
usual symptoms such as heartburn and an acidic taste in
the mouth. Often these individuals will complain of a persistent
feeling of something lodged in the throat. Treatment with
medications to prevent reflux as well as dietary and lifestyle
modifications are usually successful in treating this cause
of hoarseness.
Hoarseness is often secondary to voice abuse. Because the
vocal cords are actually muscles, overuse can cause damage
just like muscles in other parts of the body. Rest and speech
therapy will improve the voice in this situation. Occasionally,
the damage incurred from voice abuse will be severe enough
to require surgery.
Hoarseness may occur from damage to the nerve supplying
the vocal cord. The most common cause of this is unknown.
Other causes include thyroid surgery, heart disease and
lung cancer. Recent improvements in voice surgery for vocal
cord paralysis enable many individuals to regain a normal
voice. Drs. Lee and Jordan are very familiar with these
techniques.
Hoarseness can also be a manifestation of laryngeal or throat
cancer. This is very rare in individuals without a smoking
history. Progressive hoarseness with difficulty swallowing,
ear pain and weight loss are suggestive of cancer. Evaluation
by an ENT should be sought immediately. |
