Hoarseness

• Hoarseness is anabnormalchangeinthe voice.
• 这most common cause of hoarseness is急性喉炎.
• 这underlying cause of hoarseness can usually be diagnosed by ahealthcare professional based on the病人's history and physical exam.
• 这treatment for hoarseness depends on the underlying cause.
• 可以通过避免过度剧烈的语音使用和抽烟cessation.

Hoarseness is an abnormal change in the voice caused by a variety of conditions. The voice may have changes in pitch and volume, ranging from adeep, harsh voice to a weak, raspy voice.

Hoarseness is generally caused by irritation of, orinjury到，声带。这larynx(also referred to as thevoice box), is the portion of therespiratory(breathing) tract containing the vocal cords. The cartilaginous outer wall of the larynx is commonly referred to as the "Adams apple." The vocal cords are two bands of肌肉that form a "V" inside the larynx. When we sing or speak, the vocal cords vibrate and produce sound.

Hoarseness can be caused by a number of conditions. The most common cause of hoarseness is acute laryngitis (inflammation人声绳）最常由上呼吸道感染(usuallyviral), and less commonly from overuse or misuse of the voice (such as from yelling or singing).

嘶哑的其他原因包括：

• benignvocal cord结节，cystsor polyps,
• 声带瘫痪
• 胃食管反流(格德),
• allergies,
• inhalation的respiratory tract irritants,
• 抽烟,
• thyroid问题，
• trauma到喉/声带，
• neurologicalconditions (such as Parkinson'sdisease和strokes), and
• cancer of the larynx.

Hoarseness typically gives the voice a raspy and harsh quality, though it may also cause a change in the pitch or volume of the voice. The rapidity ofonset任何相关症状都将取决于导致嘶哑的根本原因。

A health care professional will ask the patient questions about their hoarseness and any other associated symptoms. A physical exam will focus on the head andneck. Often times, a诊断can be made based on this initial assessment. In some instances, a long lighted flexibletube(fiberoptic scope) will be inserted into thethroatto directly visualize the vocal cords if no other cause is initially identified. Individuals with hoarseness that lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks should have a consultation with anotolaryngologistin order to exclude any serious causes of hoarseness.

嘶哑的治疗方法取决于基本原因，例如：

• 由上呼吸道引起的急性喉炎infection通常，随着感染清除身体，通常会自行改善。保守治疗咳嗽suppressants and humidified air can be helpful.
• 嗓音休息is also recommended in order to avoid further irritation or injury to the vocal cords.
• Antibiotics are not indicated for most cases of acute laryngitis.
• Smokingcessation is suggested for those individuals that smoke.
• 由声音过度使用或滥用引起的嘶哑的人应该遵守严重的伤害（例如声乐）绳索hemorrhagecan occur to the vocal cords if the voice is strenuously used during episodes of acute laryngitis.
• Medications forgastroesophagealreflux(格德) orallergiescan treat hoarseness if either of these is found to be the underlying cause.
• 在某些情况下，surgerymay be necessary for benign nodules or polyps, trauma to the larynx/vocal cords and for cancer of the larynx.

Hoarseness can be prevented in some instances, for example:

• Avoid situations that require excessive strenuous voice use, and if a person needs to project their voice, use a microphone if possible.
• 嗓音therapists or singing teachers may be helpful in certain cases to assist individuals with vocal training and voice modification.
• Smokingcessation can prevent hoarseness or the发展的cancer的the larynx.
• Individuals with hoarseness caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can benefit from medications and dietary modification (such as avoidingalcohol,caffeine, and spicy foods).