Hoarseness of voice is an inflammatory process in which the mucous membrane of the vocal folds is involved, causing the disease. The prerequisites for the occurrence of a problem can be both physiological and psychogenic, emotional in nature. Our vocal apparatus is a complex mechanism consisting of interconnected areas controlled by the central nervous system. This includes the vocal apparatus, which includes groups of resonators (pharynx, trachea, lungs), and the larynx, the place where sounds are formed. If one section fails, the operation of the entire vocal apparatus is disrupted. As a result, problems arise with sound production, hoarseness and hoarseness of the voice. Let's look at common causes of the disease and, of course, talk about diagnostic and treatment methods.
“Our vocal apparatus is a complex mechanism consisting of interconnected areas controlled by the central nervous system. If one section fails, the operation of the entire vocal apparatus is disrupted.”
Causes of hoarseness
The problem can be caused by various factors. The most common ones include:
- Laryngitis.
- Disturbances in the endocrine system.
- Excessive tension in the vocal folds.
- Stress, strong negative emotions.
Laryngitis is the most common cause of hoarseness. The disease develops against the background of other infectious and inflammatory processes that occur in the organs of the respiratory system: bronchitis, rhinitis, tuberculosis, ARVI.
With laryngitis, pain and discomfort appear in the throat, the voice deepens, and difficulty breathing is often observed. In some cases, the temperature rises, appetite decreases, headaches, chills, and weakness in the body appear.
To treat laryngitis, topical medications are prescribed in the form of sprays. Lozenges help temporarily relieve pain. For severe coughs, mucus thinners. If the origin of laryngitis is allergic, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines. Antibiotics are used as a last resort if a bacterial infection is present.
Disturbances in the endocrine system are another factor that causes hoarseness. Often the endocrine system causes the vocal apparatus to react to disturbances that have arisen. If you suspect a disruption in the endocrine system, you should contact an endocrinologist, since the otolaryngologist does not perform the main function here. The main thing is not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Singers, guides, teachers, lecturers - in short, people whose profession involves constant increased load on the vocal folds - may experience overstrain.
It is important to learn how to control your voice and avoid overexertion. For this purpose, strengthening techniques have been developed that need to be practiced from time to time. You can learn more about hygiene and prevention of dysphonia for vocalists from our article.
To avoid hoarseness, you should drink water regularly, avoiding dry throat to reduce the load on the folds, especially during a long monologue or negotiations. Due to nervous tension, the voice may shrink or disappear altogether. Here we are already dealing with the psychological aspect, since the voice makes itself felt as a reaction to stress. Hoarseness often becomes a signal of neurological diseases that lead to disruption of the innervation of the folds and paralysis of the laryngeal nerves.
You should immediately consult a doctor to prevent the process from prolonging and the formation of nodules in the vocal folds. How to choose a suitable doctor is described in the article.
Another cause of hoarseness is a violation of metabolic processes in the body. If the hormone is not produced by the thyroid gland in sufficient quantities, the voice becomes dull. In addition, the mucous membrane dries out when there is a lack of fluid in the body.
Hoarseness is also common among smokers, people who enjoy irritating foods and drinks, and frequent mouth breathers. A shrunken voice can be caused by drinking alcoholic beverages, severe tension in the larynx, or decreased immunity.
When to see a doctor?
In some cases, hoarseness in your voice cannot be tolerated.
You should immediately consult a doctor if the following symptoms occur:
- Increased body temperature.
- Heavy sweating.
- Cough.
- Thick mucus produced when coughing.
- Dyspnea.
- Great weakness in legs and body.
- Weight loss.
- Chest pain.
- Loss of appetite, nausea.
Self-treatment without knowing the cause of hoarseness is unacceptable. Taking inappropriate medications can cause a deterioration in health, or contribute to the transition of the disease to a chronic form.
Initial symptoms
In the first stages, the volume of a person’s voice decreases, its quality and timbre changes. The folds quickly become tired, and it becomes uncomfortable for a person to swallow or talk. The most dangerous type of hoarseness is chronic, since in this case the entire vocal apparatus is gradually and permanently rebuilt. Subsequently, hoarseness increases and the voice weakens. When diagnosing, an otolaryngologist finds out the background and history of the development of the disease, and treatment measures taken previously. An ENT examination is performed with direct or indirect laryngoscopy. If required, the specialist will prescribe an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, MRI or computed tomography to identify possible causes of laryngeal depression.
“In the first stages, the volume of a person’s voice decreases, its quality and timbre changes. The folds quickly become tired, and it becomes uncomfortable for a person to swallow or talk.”
Hoarseness in children: why does it occur?
Children are just as susceptible to hoarseness as adults. There are several factors that lead to problems in the functioning of the vocal folds:
- Colds, ARVI, tracheitis. A hoarse voice may be the first sign of these diseases.
- Overstrain of the vocal folds. Often found in active, noisy children who like to scream.
- Laryngitis. The most common cause of failure, as in adults. With laryngitis, infectious inflammation occurs in the larynx, and therefore requires immediate medical attention.
Some medications can also cause children to experience hoarseness.
It should be remembered that boys undergo hormonal changes in the body between the ages of 12 and 15 . At this time, the vocal folds lengthen and the voice becomes hoarse. This is normal. If hoarseness persists for six months, there is nothing to worry about. If after this period there are no changes, and your voice remains shrunken and unnatural, you should consult a doctor.
In young children, hoarseness may indicate pathologies, for example, congenital cysts or disorders in the structure of the vocal apparatus.
From the article you will learn in detail about the causes, treatment of hoarseness in children and general recommendations for preventing the problem.
Common symptoms of laryngitis
The general symptoms of laryngitis are the same in adults and children. With a respiratory infection, in most cases, inflammation affects several parts of the respiratory system, so laryngitis is often accompanied by pharyngitis or tracheitis.
The following signs of the disease almost always appear:2
- Pain when swallowing and discomfort in the throat (dryness, soreness);
- Voice changes and hoarseness;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, the touch of which is quite painful;
- Cough of various types, from mild to severe, from dry to wet, at night and during the day.
In addition to the “standard” symptoms of laryngitis, it is possible to add classic symptoms of ARVI and signs of complications:
- An increase in body temperature, from minor with a common cold to significant with serious infectious diseases;
- Obvious difficulty breathing and sensation of a lump in the throat;
- Swallowing dysfunction;
- Intoxication of the body - headaches, nausea, poor general health, muscle pain and other symptoms;
- Complications in the nasopharynx - congestion and mucus secretion (runny nose);
- Complications in which the cough is accompanied by blood inclusions.
What should you not do if you have hoarseness?
If your voice becomes dry, you should reduce your speech to a minimum so as not to strain your vocal folds. If possible, it is better to take a day off from work and get treatment. And, of course, it is not recommended to self-medicate for a long time. If after 1-2 days or more the voice is not restored, you should consult a doctor to clarify the problem.
Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided as this can also lead to sore throat. Juices, especially those containing citrus fruits, such as orange and grapefruit, should be excluded from the diet, as should cola, green tea, and coffee. All this provokes mucous membranes and aggravates the situation. Hypothermia and eating cold foods will also worsen the problem. It is necessary to avoid hot, spicy foods that can cause irritation.
Following these simple recommendations will speed up the healing process and voice restoration.
“When your voice becomes dry, you should reduce your speech to a minimum so as not to strain your vocal folds. If possible, it is better to take a day off from work and get treatment. If after 1-2 days or more the voice is not restored, you should consult a doctor to find out the problem.”
How to treat hoarseness?
Before prescribing a course of treatment, the otolaryngologist performs a visual examination of the larynx to identify the cause of the disease. Visual diagnostics and endoscopy of the throat are carried out: an integrated approach is used for a full analysis.
When diagnosing, specialized tools and equipment are used. A differentiated analysis of symptoms is necessary when it is not possible to find out the real cause of the problem. The doctor may use an endoscope, a probe to examine the throat and larynx during laryngoscopy. The otolaryngologist also works with the deep laryngeal laryngeal speculum. A fibrolaryngoscope is used to examine the nasopharynx under local anesthesia of the nasal cavity. Another commonly used tool is a strobe light, which allows you to diagnose pathologies. Electrophysical studies are carried out, the level of mobility of the larynx and folds in dynamics is assessed. Anesthesia is not required here, since the procedures do not cause discomfort or pain.
The course of therapy is prescribed taking into account the problem, the cause of its occurrence, medical history and examination. To treat hoarseness use:
- Drugs aimed directly at eliminating disorders in the vocal apparatus.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, if hoarseness is accompanied by fever, more than 38 degrees.
- Antibiotics if the problem is caused by a bacterial infection causing hoarseness.
In addition to taking the above medications, physiotherapy is carried out, expectorants are prescribed in the presence of bronchitis or tracheitis, as well as vitamin complexes to increase strength and immunity.
When prescribing treatment, individual parameters are taken into account: age, concomitant and previous diseases, structural features of the larynx, the presence or absence of allergic reactions.
How to increase the effectiveness of treatment at home?
When restoring your voice, you must follow a number of recommendations. Medicines prescribed by an otolaryngologist should be taken in a clearly indicated dosage. You need to increase your consumption of warm drinks, switch to bland food, walk in the fresh air, and use a humidifier at home, if possible. Staying in a room with high humidity (up to 70%) will promote a speedy recovery. Of course, the emotional mood is important. Psychosomatics is an important part of the treatment of any disease. It is important to set yourself up correctly, improve your mood, tune in to a speedy recovery, and be in a pleasant environment.
“Increase your consumption of warm drinks, switch to bland foods, and eliminate spicy foods from your diet. Get outside more and use a humidifier at home.”
Often there is no reason to worry and see a doctor. It is enough to follow a drinking regime, take care of a sufficient level of humidity in the room, and reduce vocal activity in order to recover faster.
Drinking plenty of fluids means drinking not only tea, but also soups and broths at room temperature. Both cold and hot liquids should be avoided.
An excellent means of recovery is honey. The product relieves inflammation, improves immunity, and restores the body. You can consume honey, for example, with herbal tea, warm milk, or on its own. This will have a beneficial effect on irritated vocal folds.
It is useful to drink black or herbal tea with chamomile and thyme, and add ginger to it. Tea with raspberry jam and tincture of raspberry leaves will also be beneficial.
Another good way to restore the sonority of your voice is inhalation. A simple inhaler is sold at any pharmacy. You can carry out inhalation procedures yourself, at home. To do this, just boil water poured into a pan and breathe over it for 15-20 minutes, covered with a towel.
At the first signs of hoarseness, pregnant women should immediately consult a doctor, as this may affect the development of the fetus and congenital abnormalities. It is important to respond to even seemingly minor hoarseness as quickly as possible, as there is a risk of a serious problem arising.
In any case, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and rapid fatigue indicate disturbances in the functioning of the vocal apparatus and become a reason for taking action. If you experience even minor discomfort, you can contact our clinic. Our medical institution specializes in phoniatrics: one of the rarest areas in medicine - phoniatrics and helps patients of all ages cope with diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Take care of your health and be vigilant!
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What not to do?
If a person’s voice is hoarse, the following actions are prohibited:
- You cannot sing, shout or talk loudly. Ligaments need to be protected.
- You should not take vasoconstrictor drugs. They contribute to drying of the mucous membranes.
- You should not drink drinks that contain caffeine. Avoid coffee altogether, and avoid drinking strong tea and energy drinks. However, you need to drink as much clean water as possible.
- Smoking and staying in smoky areas is prohibited.
- Acidic foods should be excluded. It is allowed to eat only lemons, but in combination with honey.
- You should not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol not only negatively affects the condition of the ligaments, but also removes fluid from the body.
- Do not stay in dusty rooms. Small particles can settle on the vocal cords, increasing their inflammation.
- You should not be in the cold or damp.
