Hoarseness refers to an abnormal change in the voice. It is a common condition usually experienced in conjunction with a scratchy or dry throat. When you have a hoarse voice, you probably have a weak, raspy, or airy quality to the voice that does not let you make smooth vocal sounds. This symptom primarily stems from an issue with the vocal cords and might involve an inflamed voice box or larynx. It is also called laryngitis.

Causes
There can be many different causes for hoarseness, but most of them are harmless.

• Overuse of voice
• Sinus infection or cold
• Vocal fold hemorrhage
• Laryngeal cancer
• Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
• Neurological disorders

Other causes

• Laryngitis is where the vocal folds swell temporarily from allergies, upper respiratory infection, or cold.
• Gastroesophageal reflux is where the stomach acid travels up into the throat.
• Vocal fold paralysis means one or both vocal cords do not work well. Typically, the vocal cords do not open or might not close. The causes for vocal fold paralysis are unknown, but sometimes it may occur because of thyroid or lung cancer, an injury, multiple sclerosis, infection, tumors, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke.
• Muscle tension dysphonia or a change in the feel or sound of your voice because of excessive muscle tension in and around the voice box.

Symptoms
The primary symptoms of hoarseness include a raspy, low voice. It can occur with many other signs, depending on its underlying cause. Other symptoms related to hoarseness include:

• A sensation of a lump in the throat
• Throat feeling dry
• Frequent need to clear the throat
• Continual cough
• Experiencing postnasal drip
• Trouble with swallowing
• Soreness in the throat
• Presence of throat mucus

Some hoarseness symptoms might indicate a specific cause. For instance, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and aggravating signs after eating spicy foods hint at GERD.

Treatment options
Hoarseness treatment depends on its underlying cause. At times, drinking plenty of water and resting the voice can help. But in more persistent causes, your doctors may recommend treatment. Health professionals state that a person can usually benefit from a language and speech therapist. It can help people not use their voice in a manner that irritates the vocal cords and avoid further irritation. If a hoarse voice stems from exposure to chemicals that trigger the larynx, doctors recommend avoiding such triggers.

Further, if a viral infection causes hoarseness, the symptoms will disappear in a few days or weeks. Doctors may even suggest antiviral treatments to relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. The professional will recommend some lifestyle changes if GERD is responsible for hoarseness, such as avoiding acidic, greasy, or spicy foods. Further, your health expert may advise some antacids to help with the symptoms.

Prevention
Identify and avoid the triggers to prevent hoarseness. One must consider:

• Using a humidifier at home
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking lots of water (hot water)
• Regularly washing hands to lower the risk of flu or cold
• Practicing breathing techniques when singing or talking
• Resting the voice when sick