Hoarseness Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Hoarseness is a harsh, rough quality to the voice.
Hoarseness is generally caused by irritation of, or injury to, the vocal cords.
The voice box, or larynx, is the portion of the respiratory (breathing) tract
containing the vocal cords which produce sound. It is located between the
pharynx and the trachea. The larynx, also called the voice box, is a
2-inch-long, tube-shaped organ in the neck.
We use the larynx when we breathe, talk, or swallow. Its
outer wall of cartilage forms the area of the front of the neck referred to as
the "Adams apple." The vocal cords are two bands of muscle that form a "V" inside the larynx.
Hoarseness can be caused by a number of conditions. The
most common cause of hoarseness is inflammation of the vocal cords from virus
infection. Hoarseness can also be caused by bacterial infection, overuse of the
voice (such as from yelling or singing), inhalation of irritants (smoking,
etc.), chronic sinusitis, reflux of acid from the stomach (GERD), tuberculosis,
syphilis, and cancer of
(or that has spread to) the larynx.
Cough suppressants are sometimes used to prevent
recurrent irritation of the vocal cords from coughing. Hoarseness that persists
for longer than 2 weeks should be evaluated by doctor.
Main Articles on Hoarseness
Causes of Hoarseness
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Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal....learn more »
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Common Cold
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms...learn more »
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Croup
Croup is a contagious viral infection that affects children's respiratory system. Symptoms include a barking cough, stridor,...learn more »
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Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (vocal cords). The most common cause of acute laryngitis is infection, which...learn more »
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Larynx Cancer
Symptoms of cancer of the larynx, the organ at the front of the neck, include hoarseness, a lump in the neck, sore throat, cough,...learn more »
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Reflux Laryngitis
Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and...learn more »
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »
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Sinus Infection
Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of...learn more »
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Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and...learn more »
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Syphilis In Women
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by a microscopic, wormlike bacterial organism called a spirochete. There are...learn more »
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Thyroid Cancer
There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tumors on the...learn more »
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Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Symptoms include weakness, fever,...learn more »
Other Causes of Hoarseness
- After breathing tube for ventilator is removed
- Bacterial Laryngitis
- Cancer that spread to the larynx
- Overuse (yelling, singing, etc.)
- Viral Laryngitis
- Vocal cord paralysis
Examples of Medications for Hoarseness
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