A hoarse voice is frequently an indication that there is an issue with the vocal folds of the larynx. In this article, we will discuss the factors that can lead to a hoarse voice as well as the circumstances under which you should contact our GP doctor on the Costa del Sol.
What causes hoarseness and how do you treat it?
The following is a list of some of the potential causes of hoarseness as well as treatments for it:
Laryngitis
Laryngitis causes hoarseness. A cold, upper respiratory infection, or allergies can swell the vocal folds. Laryngitis treatment depends on the cause. When you call our GP Doctor in Costa del Sol for a hoarse voice, the doctor may recommend rest, fluids, and nonprescription pain relievers for a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Allergies
Similar approaches, including the use of over-the-counter allergy medication, may be taken to treat allergic reactions.
Abusing or making excessive use of your voice
Cheering, speaking loudly in noisy situations, talking too long without resting your voice, singing loudly, or speaking too high or too low can cause temporary hoarseness. Hoarseness brought on by misuse or overuse of the voice can be alleviated by getting plenty of rest, cutting back on how much you use your voice, and drinking lots of water.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
GERD can cause hoarseness when stomach acid irritates the throat. Hoarseness caused by GERD is usually worse in the morning and improves during the day. Dietary changes and acid-reducers treat GERD.
Vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts
Nodules, polyps, and cysts are benign vocal fold growths. They form on opposite sides of the vocal folds from too much pressure or friction, like a callus from a too-tight shoe. Voice rest, therapy, and surgery are common treatments for nodules, polyps, and cysts.
Vocal fold hemorrhage
Vocal fold haemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel on the vocal fold ruptures. You may have a vocal fold haemorrhage if you lose your voice suddenly while yelling. Sometimes a vocal fold haemorrhage causes hoarseness quickly and only affects your singing voice. Vocal fold haemorrhage requires rest and medical attention.
Vocal fold paralysis
One or both vocal folds don't open or close properly, causing vocal fold paralysis. It can be caused by head, neck, or chest injuries, lung or thyroid cancer, skull base, neck, or chest tumours, or infection (Lyme disease). Voice therapy and surgery can treat vocal fold paralysis.
Neurological diseases and disorders
Hoarseness can be caused by neurological conditions that affect the throat or larynx. Parkinson's disease and stroke can cause hoarseness. Spasmodic dysphonia causes hoarseness and breathing problems. The treatment for these conditions will be determined by the specific disease or disorder involved.
GP Doctor in Costa del Sol for a hoarse voice
If your voice has been hoarse for more than three weeks, especially if you haven't had a cold or the flu, you should call our GP Doctor in Costa del Sol for a hoarse voice. If you cough up blood, have trouble swallowing, feel a lump in your neck, have pain when speaking or swallowing, have trouble breathing, or lose your voice for more than a few days, call our GP Doctor in Costa del Sol for a hoarse voice immediately.
Your hoarseness will likely prompt the doctor to inquire about your medical history and the length of time you've been experiencing it. The doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist based on your symptoms and health. An otolaryngologist uses an endoscope to see the vocal folds. In some cases, your doctor may recommend voice or vocal airflow tests.