HOARSENESS

Hoarseness is very common and usually results from a viral infection causing inflammation of the lining of the throat and voicebox (larynx) - laryngitis. Often the throat is a bit sore and the onset is quite sudden. In most cases this will settle very quickly with voice rest and the usual measures for upper respiratory infections: warm drinks, paracetamol and steam. Occasionally there is an important cause for hoarseness:

• Nodules on the vocal cords (singer's nodules). Overuse of a poorly or non-trained voice tends to cause this.
• Paralysis of the vocal cord - there are a number of causes for this. It causes a chronically hoarse week voice.
• Chronic laryngitis.
• Tumours of the vocal cord. Cancer in this situation can be cured if caught early by radiotherapy (avoiding surgery).

The above causes of hoarseness cannot be easily distinguished except by further specialist investigation. If you have had hoarseness for over two weeks which is not improving or if you keep getting episodes of hoarseness then please make an appointment with your own doctor.

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