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What causes hoarseness in elderly people?

Sep 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Hoarseness in the elderly may be caused by vocal cord aging, overuse of the voice, colds, vocal cord polyps, chronic pharyngitis, and other factors. In daily life, it is important to use the voice appropriately, avoid shouting or speaking continuously for long periods, keep the throat moist, and prevent colds to maintain vocal cord health and reduce the risk of hoarseness.

In general, hoarseness in elderly individuals may be caused by vocal cord aging, overuse of the voice, colds, vocal cord polyps, chronic pharyngitis, and other factors. Treatment may include general management and medications under a doctor's guidance. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Vocal Cord Aging

With advancing age, the vocal cord tissues in older adults gradually lose elasticity, become more lax, and exhibit reduced vibratory efficiency, leading to hoarseness. It is important to maintain adequate hydration, avoid excessive voice use, and engage in voice exercises to strengthen vocal cord function.

2. Voice Overuse

Prolonged loud speaking, singing, or frequent voice use can cause vocal cord congestion and swelling, impairing normal vibration and resulting in hoarseness. In daily life, it is essential to allow sufficient vocal rest, avoid straining the voice, and use humidifiers to maintain moist air.

3. Colds

Colds are primarily caused by upper respiratory tract infections. During a cold, viruses or bacteria can invade the larynx, causing vocal cord congestion and swelling, which disrupts normal vibration and closure of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and headache. Medications such as Ganmaoling Granules, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, and Compound Liquorice Oral Solution should be taken as directed by a physician.

4. Vocal Cord Polyps

Long-term improper voice use or excessive voice strain may lead to vocal cord polyps. These growths can interfere with vocal cord vibration, causing hoarseness. Symptoms may include a sensation of a foreign body in the throat or difficulty breathing. Treatment under medical supervision may include Huangshi Xiangsheng Pills, Prednisolone Acetate Tablets, and Cedi Iodine Lozenges.

5. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may be associated with bacterial infection, environmental pollution, and other factors. It can lead to vocal cord congestion and swelling, resulting in hoarseness. Symptoms may include dryness in the throat and coughing. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Guilin Watermelon Frost Capsules, Qinghou Liyan Granules, and Amoxicillin Capsules.

To maintain vocal cord health and reduce the risk of hoarseness, it is important to use the voice appropriately, avoid shouting or prolonged continuous speaking, keep the throat moist, and prevent colds.

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