Hoarseness

Hoarseness, also called dysphonia, describes changes to your voice. The voice can sound breathy, raspy or strained, or there may be changes to volume and pitch.  It is a common condition, usually experienced in conjunction with a dry or scratchy throat.

Causes of Hoarseness

It is often due to inflammation of the vocal cords and larynx (voice box), a condition known as laryngitis.  Other causes include:

• Common cold or upper respiratory tract vital infection
• Straining your voice by shouting or talking for extended periods of time
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Thyroid gland problems
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Neurological disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Toxic substance inhalation
• Polyps (abnormal growths)
• Vocal cord atrophy

Treatment

Most hoarseness can be treated by simply resting the voice or modifying how the voice is used. For all patients, it is recommended to avoid smoking or the exposure to second hand smoke, drink plenty of fluids and rest the voice. To help keep the throat moist and relieve some discomfort you could try steam baths, a humidifier and lozenges.

If you have persistent hoarseness lasting for more than 10 days you should visit your GP. A GP will listen to your voice and examine your throat with a light and small mirror to look for any inflammation or abnormalities. Tests may be recommended or you may be referred to a specialist ENT consultant.  A specialist consultant may recommend surgery if there are nodules or polyps on the vocal folds.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation. Treatment for Hoarseness is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Hoarseness treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.