What causes sudden hoarseness and loss of voice?

Jun 15, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

In general, sudden hoarseness or loss of voice may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as acute laryngitis, vocal cord polyps, etc., and treatment should be tailored to the specific cause. In addition, other conditions such as acute tonsillitis, vocal nodules, or laryngeal cancer may also be responsible. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly when experiencing symptoms.

Sudden hoarseness or loss of voice is generally caused by either physiological or pathological factors, such as acute laryngitis or vocal cord polyps. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific cause. Details are as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

Excessive shouting or prolonged speaking may lead to vocal strain, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. This is a common occurrence. It is recommended that patients minimize voice use temporarily, drink more water, and maintain a light diet. Symptoms usually resolve on their own after a period of time.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Acute Laryngitis
Acute catarrhal inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa caused by infections, overuse of voice, or irritants. Symptoms include hoarseness, cough, and sore throat. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance and take medications such as Penicillin V Potassium Tablets or Houtong Xiaoyan Pills for treatment.

2) Vocal Cord Polyps
A benign lesion occurring on the vocal cords, often caused by improper or excessive voice use. The main symptom is prolonged hoarseness, which may lead to the above-mentioned condition. Patients should seek timely medical attention. Polyps can be removed under electronic laryngoscopy, and the prognosis is generally favorable.

In addition, other conditions such as acute tonsillitis, vocal cord nodules, or laryngeal cancer may also cause similar symptoms. It is recommended that patients seek prompt medical evaluation to avoid delayed treatment. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and adequate rest is important in daily life.

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