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FAMILY ILLNESS
Hoarseness or loss of voice
The sudden onset of hoarseness or huskiness of the voice is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections that involve the larynx or vocal cords. Such infections are almost always caused by viruses. Hoarseness and loss of voice that develop gradually are most commonly caused by overuse of the voice, smoking, or, rarely, cancer of the larynx.
! Persistent change in the voice
It is important to seek medical advice if you develop hoarseness or any other voice change that lasts for more than 2 weeks, since the slight possibility of cancer of the larynx needs to be ruled out.
START
How long ago did the hoarseness or loss of voice develop?
Over a week ago
Within the past week
Have you had any of the following symptoms in the past week?
Runny nose and / or sneezing
Cough
Sore throat
None of the above
Do you use your voice a lot; for example, are you a singer or teacher?
Normal voice use
Regular loud voice use
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You probably have acute viral laryngitis.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water( p. 165) to relieve your hoarseness.
• Rest your voice as much as possible.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if you do not feel better within 2 days or if any other symptoms develop.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Regular overuse of your voice can lead to chronic laryngitis or vocal cord nodules( small, noncancerous lumps found on the vocal cords).
• If you smoke, stop.
• Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water( p. 165) to relieve your hoarseness.
• Rest your voice as much as possible.
Before the onset of hoarseness, had you been using your voice more than usual?
More voice use than usual
Normal voice use