Hoarseness is a change in the tone of the voice, which is deeper and “broken” than usual. It is most often temporary and due to a viral infection or overexertion of the voice. However, it can be a sign of chronic conditions.

Hoarseness results in an alteration of the voice, which becomes deeper, “broken” or hoarse. In medicine, we speak of dysphonia, or even aphonia when there is a complete loss of voice. It can be accompanied by a sore throat, cough, and other symptoms.

Hoarseness is a disorder caused by a dysfunction of the vocal cords, a type of small fibrous cord, located in the larynx at the level of the Adam’s apple.

Hoarseness is caused by damage to the vocal cords or by a condition (eg inflammation) that prevents them from moving normally.

Several situations can cause hoarseness of the voice. Most often, it is the consequence of a viral or bacterial infection, which causes acute laryngitis (or angina) or an infection of the upper respiratory tract (bronchitis for example). Other symptoms are generally present: sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever …

Hoarseness can also be caused by vocal strain, that is, excessive strain on the voice that causes benign lesions (nodules) of the vocal cords. Shouting, yelling, singing too loudly in a concert, for example, can have the same effect. Professions that require significant use of the voice (singers, politicians, lecturers, professors, lawyers, etc.) are associated with an increased risk of hoarseness and even total loss of voice.

Intubation (eg for surgery) can also affect your voice for a few days.

Also, several benign or malignant (cancerous) lesions can have an influence on the voice. Note, among others:

• nodules (especially in women who force their voice);
• cysts;
• polyps;
• malignant tumors (more common in men over 50 who regularly consume alcohol and tobacco).

Other pathologies or factors can change the tone of the voice chronically. This is the case, among others:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease, which causes the acid content of the stomach to rise up into the esophagus;
• consumption of tobacco or alcohol which can cause permanent hoarseness and give a hoarse tone;
• exposure to certain toxic vapors, for example in the workplace;
• or even chronic laryngitis due to repeated infections.

High-pitched hoarseness is usually not serious, although it can be bothersome for voice professionals, such as singers, teachers, or actors.

If the hoarseness persists for more than 8 days, it is imperative to consult a doctor (an otolaryngologist or ENT). In some cases, he will order a laryngoscopy or a laryngeal fibroscopy, tests that will make it possible to visualize the vocal cords and to find the origin of the disorder.

The treatment of voice hoarseness obviously depends on its cause.

In acute daryngitis, corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs are usually sufficient to resolve the problem within a few days. Honey can also have a calming effect.

In case of hoarse voice due to excessive use, it is imperative to rest the vocal cords to allow them to regain their mobility.

Some persistent lesions can be treated with laser or surgery. In the event of cancer, treatment in oncology will be offered.

In all cases, it is necessary to stop the consumption of tobacco and alcohol which aggravate the inflammation and can lead to chronic hoarseness.

Finally, several treatments exist to reduce gastroesophageal reflux, in particular anti-acid drugs or proton pump inhibitors.