What causes hoarseness in elderly people, and what should be done about it?

Jun 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

Hoarseness generally refers to a rough or raspy voice. In elderly individuals, hoarseness may be related to factors such as insufficient fluid intake, upper respiratory tract infections, or acute pharyngitis. It can be managed through daily care measures or oral medications. Besides these relatively common causes, hoarseness may also be associated with acute tonsillitis, vocal cord atrophy, or vocal polyps. Individuals experiencing such symptoms should promptly seek medical evaluation at a hospital for appropriate diagnostic tests.

Hoarseness generally refers to a raspy or strained voice. In elderly individuals, hoarseness may be related to factors such as insufficient fluid intake, upper respiratory tract infections, or acute pharyngitis. Treatment can include daily care measures and oral medications. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Insufficient fluid intake

If fluid intake is too low, the throat may become excessively dry, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness and a dry throat. Drinking honey water, light salt water, or similar fluids can help alleviate these discomforts.

2. Upper respiratory tract infection

Due to weaker immunity in older adults, bacterial infections may irritate the upper respiratory tract, causing an upper respiratory infection. Clinically, this may present with symptoms including hoarseness, coughing, and fever. Treatment may involve antibiotics such as cefixime capsules or amoxicillin capsules, taken under medical supervision.

3. Acute pharyngitis

Exposure to irritants such as dust or harmful gases may cause inflammatory changes in the throat, resulting in acute pharyngitis. Symptoms may include hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Pharyngitis Tablets or Qinghouyan Granules may be used for treatment.

In addition to the above common causes, hoarseness may also be associated with conditions such as acute tonsillitis, vocal cord atrophy, or vocal cord polyps. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation and follow appropriate treatment as directed by a healthcare provider.

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