Hoarseness is referred to as an abnormality in the way the voice changes.
Whenever the voice is hoarse, it may sound breathy, strained, raspy or even demonstrate changes in the pitch and volume.
Changes in the voice might stem from disorders associated with the larynx or the parts that produce the sound.
When the individual is breathing, the vocal cords will remain separate.
As the person begins to sing or speak, the cords will come together.
Once the air leaves the lungs, the vocal cords will vibrate and produce a sound.
If there are lumps or swelling on the vocal cords, it will limit the amount of vibration and in turn cause changes in the volume, pitch and voice quality of the individual.
Treatment Options for Hoarseness If the hoarseness is caused by a cold or flu, it may end up needing to be evaluated by someone to help perform an evaluation of the larynx.
Problems relating to the voice are often best left to a team of professionals who understand the way the voice is supposed to function.
Otolaryngologists and pathologists are better trained to handle what might be going on with your throat.
Anytime you have a nodule, polyp or cyst, you will need to undergo a round of voice therapy and microsurgery.
Evaluation Methods for Hoarseness Otolaryngologists work to gather a complete history of the patient's general health and how severe the hoarseness is.
They will then conduct an exam of the patient's ear, nose and throat to help evaluate the voice.
This examination will include a laryngoscopy of the vocal cords.
The otolaryngologist may suggest a laryngoscopy at any point in time throughout the evaluation to help diagnose the hoarseness.
If the condition lasts longer than three weeks, it will definitely need an evaluation before the three month time period has elapsed.
Anytime there is a concern with a serious underlying factor, the evaluation needs to be performed immediately.
Doctors will often look at the folds of the vocals with a mirror in the back of your throat, or using a small tube that goes in through the nose to help examine the vocal folds.
In order to help with the analysis, the doctor might need to conduct videotaping of the area.
Most of the time, patients are able to tolerate all of these procedures very well.
In some situations, there may need to be specialized testing done on the patient to help evaluate their voice.
These tests will help to measure differences in the voice, as well as how it sounds, airflow amounts and other identifying characteristics that might be helpful in developing a treatment plan and guiding the individual.
When Is It Time to See the Otolaryngologist? • If your hoarseness has lasted longer than three weeks, especially if you are a smoker.
• If you are not currently dealing with a flu or cold.
• If you are noticing blood when you cough.
• If you are experiencing difficulty when trying to swallow.
• If you notice a lump in the back of your neck.
• If you are noticing a loss or dramatic change in your voice that has lasted longer than a couple of days.
• If you have any pain or difficulty swallowing or speaking.
• If there is any trouble breathing accompanied by a change in your voice.
• If your degree of hoarseness is interfering with your livelihood.
• If you perform vocally and you are not able to perform.
Treating the Vocal Disorders Depending on what the cause of the hoarseness is, your treatment options will vary.
Many of the common causes related to hoarseness can be rectified by simply allowing your voice to rest or modifying the way in which it is used.
Otolaryngologists will be able to make recommendations about how to use your voice, refer you to any other members of the voice team and in certain situations refer you to surgery if there are any lesions identified.
Avoid any secondhand smoke and not smoking is recommended for all of the patients.
Taking medications and drinking plenty of fluids will help to thin the mucus out.