Зміст
Hoarseness is a condition in which the voice becomes deaf, hoarse, and low, and in extreme cases, it disappears. This is a common symptom that we usually ignore. It is usually accompanied by commonplace infections of the upper respiratory tract and is transient. Hoarseness in itself is not a disease, but just a symptom of impaired mobility of the vocal cords, which can have many causes.
Hoarseness; Upper respiratory tract infection
The most common cause is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane. In addition, the vocal cords can be “thickened” with thick mucus, which is sufficient in this situation. Then the hoarseness of the voice develops very quickly and strongly, but not for long.
If it is accompanied by other symptoms of a respiratory infection such as sore throat and red throat, cough and runny nose, enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes, diagnosis is not a problem.
Treatment requires staying at home for a week, preferably in bed, using anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol). In addition, an antihistamine (cetirizine) is prescribed to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with the disease. Antibiotics are usually not necessary because viruses are the most common cause of infection.
Hoarseness; Occupational Illness
Acute hoarseness is also common in people who work with their voices – teachers, lecturers, teachers, singers. This is the result of overloading the vocal cords, which causes inflammation of the lining of the larynx. It is also a common complaint among smokers.
Hoarseness; More serious illnesses
If hoarseness persists despite treatment, ENT consultation is necessary. Likewise, in case of mild but persistent hoarseness and frequent recurrence of symptoms, see a specialist. Other, optional ENT tests, such as chest x-ray or tomography, gastroscopy, cardiac echo, may also be required.
Complication after thyroid surgery
Hoarseness of the voice can also occur as a complication of thyroid surgery. Then treatment is not possible because it is caused by damage to the nerve that moves the muscles that control the vocal cords. In this case, rehabilitation and phoniatric exercises are necessary – however, they do not guarantee the disappearance of symptoms.
Hoarseness on a nervous background
It is not always possible to identify the cause of hoarseness. This is called functional hoarseness. It can be caused by a neurological or mental disorder.
The coughing sensation that the throat is still in the way is sometimes the result of abnormal tension in the muscles of the pharynx and larynx in dystonia. It is also found in diseases with damage to the brainstem, such as multiple sclerosis, brainstem tumors.
Grunting can also be a tick, as can frequent blinking or grimacing. It sometimes appears as a separate symptom, but it also occurs in such syndromes. If it is burdensome for the patient or the environment, psychiatric consultation may be required. Sometimes the loss of voice is caused by strong emotions, an attack of anxiety, and occurs with neurotic disorders.
How to avoid hoarseness?
Do not smoke and avoid smoky areas. Tobacco smoke damages the lining and increases the risk of cancer. Do not abuse alcohol, avoid strong coffee and tea, they also irritate and dry the mucous membrane. Keep your body hydrated. Drink 8 glasses of decaffeinated, non-alcoholic, and still drinks a day. Do not drink or eat very cold or hot food. Maintain adequate air humidity in rooms where you sleep and work.
Home remedies for sore throat
There are many naturally occurring substances that can be helpful in treating hoarseness and sore throat. Thyme, grated and mixed with vegetable oil, can be used as a compress for the neck, and after boiling and cooling, you can gargle. Likewise, medicinal sage can be used, which has anti-inflammatory, disinfecting and soothing properties.
Alternatively, it can be mixed with chamomile, which also relieves inflammation. A good way to deal with hoarseness is to drink flaxseed mucus regularly. Calendula, mint, is effective for infections and inflammations of the respiratory tract. These herbal substances can also be found in hard candy, which is easier to use. Homemade, field-proven treatment for hoarseness is gargling with salt. Inhalation with baking soda is effective.
