If your voice has changed and now sounds raspy, scratchy or breathy, or you find yourself unable to speak at all, you’ve lost your voice. There are many reasons why this may happen, and usually your voice will come back on its own.
How Does My Voice Work?
The main instrument in your voice is the larynx, which is also called the voice box. It is located in the middle of your neck, just above the windpipe. When you start speaking, air from your lungs moves up the windpipe and through the tube-shaped larynx. Inside the larynx are your vocal cords: two flaps of membrane that open and close as the air moves through, which causes vibrations. Those vibrations create sound, which you manipulate into words with your tongue and lips.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness, also called dysphonia, occurs when the larynx is inflamed. This inflammation changes the sound, pitch and tone of the voice, which makes it sound raspy and quieter than normal.
Some common reasons why the larynx might become inflamed include:
- Overuse of your voice, perhaps by speaking for long periods or shouting. This happens frequently to people who use their voice professionally, e.g., teachers, singers and call center employees.
- Smoking. Inhaling smoke irritates the larynx.
- Allergies. Your body overreacts to an irritant and swells up in response.
- Acid reflux. Acid from the stomach goes up into your throat, irritating the larynx.
- Spasmodic dysphonia. A chronic vocal cord disorder.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is also due to swelling and inflammation of the vocal cords, but it’s typically associated with an infection. Laryngitis can be acute (a single, sudden, short-lived occurrence) or chronic (lasting longer than three weeks).
It has many of the same causes listed above for hoarseness, as well as:
- Viral infections, such as the common cold or COVID.
- Sinus infections (also called sinusitis).
- Bacterial infections
- Upper respiratory infections, such as bronchitis
- Cancer
Vocal Nodules, Cysts and Polyps
Nodules, cysts and polyps are all types of lesions that may form on one or both of the vocal cords. They are benign and noncancerous. In addition to causing you to lose your voice, these lesions may make it uncomfortable or painful to speak.
Like dysphonia and laryngitis, they’re commonly caused by overusing your voice. The difference is that these are growths on the vocal cords, whereas dysphonia and laryngitis involve inflammation of the larynx.
How To Treat
- Rest your voice. As most of these conditions can stem from overuse, rest is a good first step. This will give inflammation time to decrease or lesions time to shrink. Most of the time, hoarseness goes away on its own.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will keep your throat from drying out; a dry throat may irritate the inflamed larynx further.
- Warm drinks. Drinking warm drinks like tea will soothe the irritated throat. Adding honey will make the soothing effect even stronger; honey has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.
- Avoid spicy food. The heat can irritate the larynx, and it may cause acid reflux.
- Quit smoking.
- Voice therapy. This is for chronic cases.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If your voice problems are accompanied by other throat-related issues, such as pain while swallowing, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing or a lump in your neck, contact a provider right away. You will be given a physical examination of the ears, nose and throat, and may be given a laryngoscopy or other test to analyze the vocal cords. Call Charleston ENT & Allergy to make an appointment.