Hoarseness is often neglected, especially by smokers. It is believed that if I smoke, my mother is hoarse. Meanwhile, lasting more than two weeks is a sign that we need to visit an ENT specialist.
Hoarseness is a sign of a weakness in the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two folds of the mucosa about 1,5 cm long and 0,5 cm wide located across the neck in the center of the larynx. When you exhale, air from your lungs meets it and makes it vibrate, which you hear as a sound. The muscles of the vocal cords flex to varying degrees, which makes it possible to produce voices of different pitch. If the surface of the vocal cords changes as a result of the disease, then we have hoarseness.
Sometimes hoarseness is the result of a viral infection. Cold viruses attack the mucosa of the vocal cords. While defending itself, it secretes more mucus, which changes the structure of the surface of the strings and our voice. We then treat ourselves with preparations for a sore throat available at the pharmacy. Remember, however, that they are not suitable for longer use because they dry up the mucous membranes. There is no point in using spray antibiotics for viral infections because the antibiotic kills the bacteria, not the viruses. It is good to humidify the room in which we are staying. However, be careful with air humidifiers, because fungi can grow in them. Better to hang a freshly washed towel on the radiator. You also have to drink plenty of lukewarm drinks. The viral infection should pass after 10-12 days.
Laryngeal polyps
olips are the most common benign larynx nodules. They look like tiny balloons. They also manifest themselves as hoarse, sometimes completely silent. A large polyp can even cause sudden breathlessness. People who work with their voice (e.g. teachers, singers) and heavy smokers are at risk because polyps are caused by irritation of the mucosa of the vocal cords, which causes epithelial cell growth. They can be diagnosed and removed by an ENT specialist.
Human papilloma
Hoarseness can also be a symptom of papillomas caused by viruses that are responsible for cervical cancer in women. This does not mean, however, that they avoid men. Transmitted during sexual contact, they can attack male genitals and the larynx. That is why the cervical cancer vaccine is also recommended for men. However, it is important to remember that there are many types of virus responsible for papillomas, and the vaccine only works for some. Therefore, such changes require treatment and observation by an ENT specialist.
Smoking and the vocal cords
Our larynx doesn’t like cigarettes. The nicotine smoke irritates the mucosa of the vocal cords. The mucus that has accumulated against the smoke forms a “pillow” under the epithelium covering the vocal folds. The resulting swelling provokes hoarseness. – This is a yellow card for a smoker – warns the otorhinolaryngologist Michał Wątróbski. – Better not get the red one – he adds. After diagnosing such an edema, the doctor informs the patient that he must stop smoking. Smoke irritation of such a swelling can cause cancer. Switching to Light cigarettes is not an alternative – explains Wątróbski. – There is no cancer light, there is just cancer.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.