What causes hoarseness in hyperthyroidism?

Generally speaking, hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland. Causes of hoarseness in patients with hyperthyroidism include vocal cord congestion and swelling, overuse of the voice, pharyngitis, thyroiditis, and damage to the nerves controlling the vocal cords. Prompt medical attention is advised, and treatment should follow medical advice. Details are as follows:

1. Vocal Cord Congestion and Swelling: Hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, which accelerates the body's metabolism. Thyroid hormones regulate the vocal cords. When thyroid hormone levels are too high, the vocal cords may become overly active, leading to congestion and swelling, thereby affecting their normal function and causing hoarseness. Adequate rest should be maintained to avoid overuse of the vocal cords and prevent worsening of the condition.

2. Overuse of the Voice: Patients with hyperthyroidism experience accelerated metabolism, potentially increasing vocal cord activity. If loud speaking or frequent voice use persists over a long period, it can lead to excessive wear on the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness. Loud speaking and prolonged voice use should be avoided to allow vocal cord rest.

3. Pharyngitis: Due to increased metabolic activity and relatively reduced immunity, patients with hyperthyroidism are prone to develop pharyngitis. Pharyngitis causes inflammation and swelling of the throat mucosa, affecting normal vocal cord function and causing hoarseness, often accompanied by throat pain. Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying treatments, such as Blue Root Oral Liquid, erythromycin enteric-coated tablets, and metronidazole tablets, should be used as directed by a physician.

4. Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis may trigger an autoimmune response in the body, producing antibodies against thyroid components, which can damage thyroid cells and affect the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones. Symptoms such as sore throat and fatigue commonly occur during onset; therefore, hoarseness in hyperthyroidism may also be caused by thyroiditis. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen tablets, indomethacin capsules, and aspirin enteric-coated tablets may be used under a physician's guidance.

5. Vocal Cord Nerve Damage: Hyperthyroidism may lead to local nerve damage. If the nerves controlling the vocal cords are affected, vocal cord movement disorders may occur, resulting in hoarseness, often accompanied by vocal cord weakness. This may be due to the direct effect of thyroid hormones on the nervous system or metabolic disturbances caused by hyperthyroidism. Treatment with medications such as vitamin B1 tablets, mecobalamin tablets, and amoxicillin capsules, which provide nerve nutrition and anti-inflammatory effects, should be followed as directed by a physician.

Patients should ensure adequate rest and nutrition, avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations to prevent worsening of the condition.

References:

[1] Wang Weiqing, Ning Guang. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism [J]. Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2018.