| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y |
Hoarseness or changing voice |
| Overview Treatment |
| Alternative Names: |
| Voice strain; Dysphonia; Loss of voice |
| Home Care: |
| Hoarseness may be acute or chronic, but is treated the same in most cases. Rest and time are really the only way to cure hoarseness that is not associated with other symptoms. This kind of hoarseness is very resistant to medical therapy. Crying, shouting, and excessive talking or singing will only worsen the problem. Be patient, the healing process may take several days. Don't talk unless it is absolutely necessary and avoid whispering. Whispering can strain the vocal cords more than speaking does. Gargling has no therapeutic effect on the vocal cords. Avoid decongestants because they dry the vocal cords and prolong irritation. If you smoke, reduce or stop smoking. Humidifying the air with a vaporizer or drinking fluids can offer some relief. Other underlying disorders such as bronchitis, allergies, laryngitis, or alcoholism should be treated. |
| Call your health care provider if: |
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| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
| If there is severe difficulty breathing, the first priority is to ensure normal breathing. This may require the placement of a breathing tube. Once the condition is stable, the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting hoarseness or changed voice in detail may include:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Intervention: Other conditions may benefit from voice rest and speech therapy. Reflux laryngitis is treated with anti-reflux measures (avoid spicy and fried food, reduce coffee intake) and antacids. Stopping smoking helps in early recovery from laryngitis and other conditions causing hoarseness. |
Throat anatomy |
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