Why is my throat not sore but my voice hoarse, and what should I do?
Dec 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, a non-sore throat accompanied by hoarseness may be caused by vocal cord fatigue, environmental factors, laryngitis, vocal cord polyps, vocal cord paralysis, or other similar causes. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance through general therapy, medication, surgical intervention, and other approaches. In daily life, one should pay attention to using the voice appropriately, avoid speaking loudly or shouting for prolonged periods, and maintain a humid indoor environment.
Normally, a non-sore throat but hoarse voice may be caused by vocal cord fatigue, environmental factors, laryngitis, vocal cord polyps, or vocal cord paralysis. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, or surgery. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Vocal Cord Fatigue
Vocal cord fatigue is caused by prolonged use of the voice, shouting, or excessive talking. After prolonged vibration, the elasticity and tension of the vocal cords may be affected, resulting in hoarseness. One should avoid speaking continuously for long periods or shouting loudly. Adequate sleep and hydration can help the vocal cords recover.
2. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as dry air and air pollution can also negatively affect the vocal cords, causing hoarseness. Dry air can reduce lubrication of the vocal cords, while polluted air may irritate them, causing inflammation. It is advisable to avoid staying in dry or polluted environments for extended periods, keep indoor air moist, and use air purification devices to improve air quality.
3. Laryngitis
Laryngitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, excessive voice use, or inhalation of irritants. Inflammation can cause swelling and congestion of the vocal cords, affecting their normal vibration and resulting in hoarseness. Symptoms may also include throat discomfort and coughing. Treatment may include medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Cefradine Capsules, and Jinsuang Sanjie Pills, under a doctor's guidance.
4. Vocal Cord Polyps
Vocal cord polyps may result from excessive voice use, smoking, or alcohol consumption. These polyps affect the normal vibration of the vocal cords, causing the symptoms mentioned above. They may also be accompanied by difficulty breathing and coughing. Treatment for vocal cord polyps usually involves surgical removal.
5. Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis can be caused by thyroid surgery, neck trauma, viral infections, or other factors. Vocal cord paralysis prevents the vocal cords from vibrating normally, leading to hoarseness. It may also be accompanied by difficulty breathing and swallowing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Mecobalamin Tablets, Vitamin B12 Injection, and Prednisone Acetate Tablets may be used for treatment. In severe cases, nerve repair surgery may be required to restore damaged nerves, following medical advice.
In daily life, it is important to use your voice appropriately, avoid speaking loudly for prolonged periods, and keep indoor air moist to avoid dry environments.
