Hoarseness

Hoarseness services offered in Chelmsford, Concord and Woburn, MA and Nashua and Derry, NH

A raspy voice isn’t such a big deal if it only lasts for a day or so, but persistent hoarseness might indicate a deeper issue with your larynx or vocal folds. At Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates in Chelmsford, Woburn, and Concord, Massachusetts, as well as Nashua and Derry, New Hampshire, the team of ear, nose, and throat specialists provides evaluations for hoarseness and can treat many of its causes. Schedule your appointment over the phone or request one online today.

What is hoarseness?

Hoarseness is a symptom that causes you to have a rough, ragged, or scratchy sound to your voice. It’s usually not indicative of a serious health issue, but you should schedule an appointment at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates if your hoarseness is prolonged or recurrent.

During an evaluation at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, the team assesses the change in your voice and may use imaging tests to view the vocal folds, larynx (voicebox), and other structures in the throat. Some problems causing hoarseness are short-term and easy to treat, like the common cold, while others require expert ear, nose, and throat care.

What causes hoarseness?

There are many causes of hoarseness, some of which have nothing to do with being sick. For example, you might have a temporarily raspy voice after attending a loud concert. If you use your voice professionally, hoarseness might frequently affect you due to overuse.

Hoarseness can also be a symptom of:

Laryngitis
Vocal cord paralysis
Allergies
Acid reflux
Heavy smoking
Breathing in irritants
Throat or larynx cancer
Muscle tension dystonia

Some causes of hoarseness are serious and need professional medical care from an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates recommends the least invasive course of treatment for conditions that cause hoarseness.

How is hoarseness treated?

For mild and short-term bouts of hoarseness from overusing your voice, being stressed, or having a cold, the hoarseness goes away on its own. You can soothe your throat if you have a cold by drinking plenty of fluids.

Other, more complex, or serious causes of hoarseness need more intensive care. The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates may recommend noninvasive solutions like voice therapy, rest, or dietary changes, or surgeries to remove growths or alter the vocal folds somehow.

To prevent hoarseness in the future, the team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates may advise you to quit smoking, use a humidifier in your living space, and avoid alcohol and other substances that dehydrate you.

To schedule an evaluation and treatment consultation for hoarseness, call Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates or book an appointment online today.