Deterioration in voice quality and tone due to problems occurring in the vibration of the vocal cords or in the layer surrounding the vocal cords is called hoarseness. In the formation of sound, the lungs pump air, there are vocal cords in the larynx, and the vocal cords close, allowing the sound to pass through a narrow place. In the formation of sound; Lungs, vocal cords and the tongue, lips and jaw muscles that shape the voice play important roles. Vocal cords, called vocal cords, are very important in sound formation. Hoarseness is usually caused by problems such as irritation or damage to the vocal cords. Vocal cords are part of a formation called the voice box and located in the larynx. The space between the vocal cords and them is called the glottis. During sound formation, the lungs pump air and the vocal cords close, allowing the sound to pass through a narrow space. The main cause of hoarseness is the inadequate closure of this space between the vocal cords, called rima glottis. Situations such as a feeling of being stuck in the voice while speaking, hoarseness of the voice, intermittent interruptions in the voice and low volume occur with hoarseness. In person; Hoarseness is experienced that is thinner, coarser, bifurcated, gets tired easily, can be constantly hoarse, is in the form of a whisper, and even does not come out at all in some infections.
Causes of Hoarseness
- Infections such as flu, cold, or sinusitis and bronchitis diseases that occur in upper respiratory tract infections and cause acute laryngitis
- Misuse and excessive use of the voice; loud talking, shouting, screaming, singing for a long time
- Allergic conditions
- Long-lasting and persistent cough
- Active smoking or long-term exposure to second-hand smoke, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Laryngitis (bacteria, viruses, fungi); Inflammation of the pharynx area where the vocal cords are located and experiencing sore throat
- Being in extremely dry and dusty environments and being exposed to polluted air
- Nodule, polyp or cyst formation on the vocal cords; Nodule formation is generally seen in professional groups that use the vocal cords frequently (teachers, singers, imams, etc.). Polyps and cysts are benign formations resulting from voice misuse. In both cases, treatment with sound therapy can be hunted. If voice therapy is not sufficient, surgical intervention is considered.
- Exposure to inhalation of toxic substances
- Neurological diseases; Like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease
- Reflux; Acid reflux can cause irritation of the vocal cords, cough and hoarseness, as the acidic stomach contents leak back into the esophagus and come back to the throat, creating a burning sensation and a bitter water taste in the throat.
- Larynx, thyroid and lung cancers
- Thickening of the vocal cords in men during the transition to puberty
- Some psychological problems
People who experience hoarseness should first be treated within 3-5 days with the help of drinks that soften the throat, such as warm water and herbal teas. They can eliminate this hoarseness. If flu, cold and laryngitis occur due to the condition, hoarseness disappears after they are treated. However, if this situation continues even after medication and resting your voice and does not pass for 10-15 days, then a specialist ENT doctor should be consulted.
Hoarseness Treatment
Hoarseness is not a disease and is a symptom of other diseases. Treatment also varies depending on the patient. Since hoarseness can occur due to many reasons, your doctor will first listen to your story. In this way, the doctor gets an idea about the patient. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. The extent of hoarseness, as well as how disturbed the patient is by hoarseness and his expectations, also direct the type of treatment. Endoscopic laryngeal examination is required for hoarseness. After the examination, it is requested that the voice be rested in cases of hoarseness due to overuse. In cases related to infection or gastric reflux, drug treatments are applied. If there are reflux symptoms and vocal cord edema, diet therapy and antacid medications are given. Since diseases such as laryngitis, nodules, polyps and cysts are diagnosed by examination, there is no need for examination, and in such cases, the patient is sent to a voice therapist for voice training. In this case, it is very important for the patient to rest his voice. Because if the voice continues to be used intensively, especially during periods of acute laryngitis, the vocal cords may become damaged. It may also cause serious injury, which may result in bleeding. Surgery may be required in cases such as benign nodules, polyps, trauma to the vocal cords and laryngeal cancer.
What Should Be Done to Prevent Hoarseness?
The person is treated for hoarseness. The environment is also very important. Breathing dry air irritates the throat and causes inflammation of the vocal cords. This situation occurs especially in winter when ventilation is low. Therefore, hanging a wet towel over the heater or using a steam machine in winter helps humidify the air. The moist air provided thus helps thin the phlegm and heal the irritation in the throat. Air conditioning used in summer or winter also dries the air.
Excessive use of the vocal cords should be avoided. It is one of the most important things to do to relieve hoarseness. Using your voice as little as possible and without straining will help you heal.
It is a substance in cigarettes that triggers hoarseness. Especially during this period, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.
Excess daily water consumption prevents throat irritation and keeps the vocal cords moist. Herbal teas will also be good for hoarseness.
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