What is hoarseness?

The term ‘hoarseness’ refers to a change in the voice that causes an abnormal vocal emission, characterised by a rough, muffled tone. Thus, hoarseness, by making the voice harsher and lower, not only makes the act of speaking difficult, but even whispering becomes very laboured. It is frequently indicative of a pathological process affecting the larynx, the organ responsible for producing vocal sounds. Although this disorder is generally temporary, it can manifest itself in varying intensities, up to and including the total loss of the voice, known as aphonia.

Symptoms of hoarseness

The most frequent symptoms associated with hoarseness are:

• sore throat;
• coughing;
• difficulty swallowing,
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
• ear pain.

Causes of hoarseness

In most cases, hoarseness is caused by conditions such as coughs and colds, laryngitis or pharyngitis, which are the result of viral respiratory tract infections.

Other common causes that can contribute to this disorder include gastroesophageal reflux, allergies, inhalation of irritants and excessive or incorrect use of the voice, such as in the case of people who use their voice professionally, or who shout or sing.

How long does hoarseness last?

In general, if hoarseness is caused by common ailments such as a cold or laryngitis, it tends to resolve spontaneously within two weeks.

However, if it persists beyond this period, specific medical treatment may be required. When hoarseness is related to more serious conditions, it may last for a long time and require targeted therapeutic interventions.

Treatment for hoarseness

Hoarseness can be treated in the short term by following a few simple tips:

• resting the voice;
• hydration: drinking plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and lubricated is recommended. It is also helpful to use throat candies or throat gels to reduce irritation and pain. Hot herbal teas and broth are good choices, while it's better to avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dry out the throat;
• humidifying the air: using a humidifier in the home can help maintain the air humidity at appropriate levels, alleviating irritation of the vocal cords and facilitating breathing;
• avoid dusty environments and irritants: try to stay away from dusty places and any substance that may further irritate the throat.

It's recommended to consult a doctor if hoarseness persists for more than a week in children or two to three weeks in adults, or if it is accompanied by additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or unexplained weight loss.