Hoarseness is a general term that describes an abnormal change in the voice. There are many different forms of hoarseness. Hoarseness may describe a voice that is breathy, raspy, strained, or choppy, or it may describe a voice that frequently cracks or quivers, or may describe changes in loudness or pitch. Each of these different forms has a whole host of different conditions that may cause them. Some of the most common causes include acute laryngitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, vocal cord nodules, vocal cord polyps, and vocal cord paresis or paralysis.
Hoarseness may represent a minor inconvenience to many people, but can be quite troublesome in people rely upon their voice on a daily basis. This latter group does not only consist of singers and vocal professionals (professional speakers, actors, teachers, lawyers, salesmen, telephone operators, etc) but many other people that rely upon their ability to communicate with others (waiters, day care workers, etc).
When hoarseness lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, is associated with pain, coughing up blood, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck, medical evaluation should be sought.
Related pages:
Signs of Hoarseness
Allergies and Hoarseness
Laryngopharyngeal (Acid) Reflux
Laryngitis
