What is hoarseness of voice?
It is a breathy and harsh voice resulting due to an abnormality in the larynx.
What are the causes of hoarseness of voice?
- Laryngeal web
- Laryngeal cysts
II. Acquired: Neoplastic:
- Pharyngeal diverticula: Over flow of contents into larynx
causes chronic irritation of the larynx and laryngitis
- Juvenile Laryngeal Papillomatosis
- Cysts of vocal cords
- Bronchial carcinoma: The malignancy commonly involves the mediastinum and obstructs the superior vena cava causing recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
- Carcinoma of vocal cords and larynx
- Thyroid carcinoma
- Oesophageal malignancies involving the recurrent laryngeal nerve
- Acute laryngitis
- Chronic laryngitis
- Atrophic laryngitis: It is a rare condition characterized by atrophic changes in the respiratory mucosa with mucous producing glands
- Singers nodules
- Intubation trauma
- Inhalation of foreign body
- Vocal cord palsy
- Laryngeal oedema
- Functional aphonia
- Reflux oesophagitis
What investigations are required for diagnosing the cause of hoarseness of voice?
- Blood: Routine blood investigations
- Test for diabetes, syphilis (VDRL)
- Thyroid function tests
- Indirect laryngoscopy in OPD
- Direct laryngoscopy to confirm findings
- Fibre-optic laryngoscopy helps to check the larynx closely
- CT Scan may be useful in cases of malignancy
- Allergy Test
- Voice analysis by a Voice therapist gives a perfect picture of the voice quality
What is the treatment for hoarseness of voice?
- History: To know of any trauma and progress of the hoarseness
- ENT examination to know the cause of the hoarseness
Medical line of treatment:
- Voice rest
- Steam inhalation
- Antibiotics to control infection
- Anti inflammatory medicines
- Low dose steroids in tapering dose.
- Vocal Hygiene
- Voice Therapy
If there is improvement within 1 week:
- Voice Hygiene
- Voice Therapy
If there is no improvement for 2 weeks: Microlaryngoscopy with laser surgery.