Hoarseness , or dysphonia, is the difficulty in producing a voice as usual. It is estimated that about a third of the population will have a hoarseness problem sometime in life, which can hinder communication and / or compromise quality of life. Hoarseness can present in several forms, for example: Lower voice quality; Changes in intensity or timbre; Tiredness when speaking; Difficulty in projecting voice; Loss of vocal power. What causes hoarseness? Hoarseness can have several causes . Most episodes result from an inflammation of the vocal cords due to infections of the upper airways, as in a common cold or the flu. Vocal strain is also a common cause of hoarseness. Abuse or poor voice placement can lead to chronic trauma to the vocal cords and contribute to the development of lesions such as nodules, polyps, cysts, among others. Thus, there are professions, such as teachers, singers, or actors, in which these traumatic injuries are more frequent due to the continuous use of the voice. Gastroesophageal and pharyngolaryngeal reflux can also cause hoarseness. In these cases, hoarseness is due to inflammation of the vocal cords by the action of the acidic content of the stomach. Laryngeal tumors are a rarer cause of hoarseness. These tumors are known to have a direct relationship with excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Hoarseness diagnosis and treatment According to the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, a hoarseness that persists for more than 3 weeks should be assessed by an otolaryngologist , especially if it occurs in a person who smokes or drinks excess alcohol. The otorhinolaryngologist can observe the vocal cords and the other structures of the larynx with the help of a small mirror or, in certain cases, with a nasofibroscope. Along with the patient history, the remaining physical examination, and other tests that may be necessary, the otorhinolaryngologist will arrive at the diagnosis and define the most appropriate treatment. The treatment of different vocal cord diseases may involve one or more of the following interventions: Simple advice on vocal care; Pharmacological treatment; Surgical treatment. Often speech therapy also plays a key role, either as the main form of treatment or as a complementary treatment. Prevent hoarseness The best treatment is always prevention! So take good care of your vocal cords and your larynx. Follow these tips : Do not smoke; Do not drink alcoholic beverages; Maintain hydration by drinking water; Avoid clearing your throat; Avoid shouting or talking for long periods. Do not forget: In case of persistent hoarseness consult your otorhinolaryngologist. Author : Roberto Estevão Meet the otorhinolaringology team of the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
