Hoarseness can be a significant problem for many professional groups. Losing or restricting your voice can negatively impact job performance, especially in professions such as teachers, singers, public speakers, lawyers, and telephone customer service representatives. Therefore, those working in these professional groups should pay attention to their vocal health, learn appropriate techniques to protect their voice, and seek professional help when necessary.
What causes hoarseness?
Hoarseness can occur for many different reasons. The most common causes are:
- Cold and flu
- Laryngitis
- acid reflux
- Dryness
- Nodules or polyps on the vocal cords
If you have persistent hoarseness, if your hoarseness lasts longer than 2 weeks, or if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing
- swelling in the neck
- bloody sputum
What causes sudden hoarseness?
Sudden hoarseness is caused by irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords. Some conditions that can damage the vocal cords and cause sudden hoarseness are:
- excessive use of sound
- Laryngitis
- reflux
- Dryness
- Nodule or polyp on the vocal cords
- thyroid diseases
- Neurological disorders
How many days does it take to get rid of hoarseness?
Hoarseness caused by viral infections such as colds or flu usually goes away on its own within 1-2 weeks. Hoarseness caused by inflammation such as laryngitis can last 2-3 weeks or longer. Hoarseness caused by structural problems such as nodules or polyps on the vocal cords does not go away on its own and requires treatment.
What is good for hoarseness?
Treatment for hoarseness varies depending on the underlying cause. In most cases, hoarseness goes away on its own without any treatment. For the answer to the question of how to cure hoarseness:
- Your vocal cords need rest to heal.
- Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or warm lemon water, helps keep your throat moist and reduces irritation of your vocal cords.
- Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve sore throat and inflammation.
- Sucking on a lozenge or mint can help keep your throat moist and reduce irritation of your vocal cords.
- Keeping your throat moist can help reduce irritation of your vocal cords.
- Smoking can irritate the vocal cords and cause hoarseness, so quit smoking.
- Caffeine and alcohol can worsen hoarseness by drying out your throat. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.