History - voice hoarseness Flashcards
What are some causes of voice hoarseness?
A viral upper respiratory tract infection, causing the voice box lining to swell (Laryngitis)
Stomach acid/enzymes irritating the throat (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)
A build-up of soft tissue (polyps) or thickenings (nodules) on the vocal cords. These can develop when the voice is used too much or too loudly for long periods of time (Singer’s Nodules). Vocal cord polyps are often related to smoking.
Problems with the strength of the lungs can also lead to a change in voice
Rarely a growth or tumour develops on the vocal cords and or voice box. These may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Problems with movement of the vocal cords (paralysed vocal cords). One or both of the vocal cords may be paralysed if it’s nerve is affected by infection or tumour.
