Hoarseness – What You Need to Know

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Expert ENT Care in Thrissur at Relentcare ENT Clinic

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📌 What Is Hoarseness?

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Hoarseness refers to difficulty producing clear sounds when speaking. Your voice may sound:

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• Weak or breathy

• Scratchy or husky

• Different in pitch or tone

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Most cases are caused by inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords [the structures in your voice box (larynx) that vibrate to produce sound].

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🦠 Common Causes of Hoarseness

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Most often, hoarseness is temporary and linked to:

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• Colds or throat infections

• Voice overuse (shouting, singing, or talking for long hours)

• Acid reflux (GERD)

• Allergies or breathing irritants (smoke, pollution)

• Smoking and alcohol use

• Chronic coughing

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⚠️ Less Common But Serious Causes

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Sometimes, persistent hoarseness is due to:

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• Vocal cord nodules or cysts

• Nerve damage (after surgery or trauma)

• Thyroid or lung disease

• Throat or laryngeal cancer

• Vocal cord paralysis

• Swallowing harmful substances

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⏳ If your hoarseness lasts more than 2–3 weeks, especially without cold symptoms, it should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

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🏠 Home Care Tips

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If your hoarseness is recent and mild, try these:

• Rest your voice: Talk less and avoid shouting or whispering.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water, use a humidifier.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and dry air.

• Avoid decongestants (they can dry the throat).

• If you have reflux, take acid-suppressing medication as directed.

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📞 When to See a Doctor

Contact your ENT if:

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• Hoarseness persists for more than 3 weeks

• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing

• A child under 3 months is hoarse

• Hoarseness occurs with drooling or high fever

• You experience unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or coughing blood

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🧪 How We Evaluate Hoarseness at Relentcare ENT clinic

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Our thorough evaluation may include:

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• Video Laryngoscopy (camera-based exam of vocal cords)

• Throat cultures or swabs

• Neck X-rays or CT scan (if structural issues are suspected)

• Blood tests (if infection or thyroid disease is suspected)

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🗣️ We Care About Your Voice

At Relentcare ENT clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all causes of hoarseness—from simple infections to vocal cord lesions. Whether you're a teacher, singer, or student, we help restore your voice with expert care and compassion.