What is Hoarseness?
Hoarseness is irritation, inflammation, or infection resulting in loss of volume, tone, and other voice characteristics.
Signs and Symptoms of Hoarseness
Hoarseness may or may not have pain as a symptom. In addition, hoarseness can be associated with swollen lymph nodes in the neck or difficulty swallowing.
Causes of Hoarseness
There are several factors which can cause hoarseness, including:
- A virus like the flu or a cold
- A bacterial infection like strep throat
- An allergic reaction to an allergen
- Laryngitis, or inflammation in your throat
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
What You Can Do at Home To Get Relief From Hoarseness
For mild hoarseness, you can try a few simple home remedies like these:
- Stay hydrated by drinking more fluids
- Drink warm tea with honey to soothe your throat
- Gargle with warm salt water several times during the day
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom to breathe moist, soothing air
When To Visit Your ENT Specialist for Hoarseness
You should visit your ENT specialist for moderate to severe hoarseness that isn't resolved or worsening. You also need to seek out your ENT specialist if your hoarseness is accompanied by:
- Joint pain, a rash, or a fever over 101 degrees
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth
- A lump in your neck, earache, or blood in your saliva
How Your ENT Specialist Can Diagnose the Cause of Hoarseness
Your ENT specialist will complete a thorough examination, which may include laboratory testing to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing your hoarseness. In addition, your ENT specialist may recommend an endoscopy, a diagnostic imaging procedure to examine your esophagus.
How Your ENT Specialist Can Treat Hoarseness
Depending on what is causing your hoarseness, your ENT specialist may recommend:
- Antibiotic medication if your hoarseness is caused by a bacterial infection, like strep throat
- Antiviral medicines if your hoarseness is caused by a virus like a cold or the flu
- Antacid medication and dietary modifications if your hoarseness is caused by acid reflux or GERD
Want To Know More About Hoarseness?
To find out more about the causes of hoarseness and how your ENT specialist can help, call Drs. Quinten VanderWerf, Christopher Walz, and Mark Wilson at Desert Ear, Nose, & Throat in Rancho Mirage, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (760) 340-4566, so call today.