Hoarseness is most often temporary and does not pose serious side effects. If you find that you are experiencing hoarseness frequently or are experiencing long periods of hoarseness, Texas ENT Specialists can help you determine the cause and work with you to find a solution.

Common Causes of Hoarseness

Hoarseness is usually caused by vocal strain, injury to the vocal cords, or infection. Some of the causes of hoarseness and their treatments include: 

Vocal strain 

Vocal therapy can be used to help you use your voice properly and minimize strain. It typically includes vocal exercises and sessions with a speech-language pathologist. This can help you prevent hoarseness in the future.  

Laryngitis

This is one of the leading causes of hoarseness. It can be caused by a swelling of the vocal cords from a cold, infection, or allergies. We offer allergy shots and drops to reduce your allergy symptoms. We can also prescribe antibiotics to help you recover from infections.

Acid reflux 

Stomach acid can rise up and irritate the tissues in the throat. When this occurs, we can perform a test to ensure acid reflux is the cause, and we can then prescribe medication and diet changes to help ease the symptoms and stop the acid from reaching the throat.

Vocal nodules and polyps 

These are non-cancerous growths that are found on or within the vocal cords. Rest and vocal therapy with a speech-language pathologist can help them heal and stop them from returning. In some cases, surgery is required to remove them.  

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Why Hoarseness Occurs

Our vocal sounds are created by vibration in the vocal cords. When there is an injury or irritation to the cords, hoarseness can occur. When polyps or nodules are on the cords, this can impact their ability to vibrate correctly and produce sound. In addition, infections or allergies can cause inflammation which irritates the cords. 

With acid reflux, stomach acid moves acid up to the throat, also causing irritation. Hoarseness is common and can develop for a number of different reasons. It isn’t always cause for alarm, but should be monitored to ensure it is not long-lasting.

About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists is a multi-location ENT practice with 15 locations across the Houston area. We have set ourselves apart in the ENT industry by offering patients:

Personalized Treatment

Our providers offer personalized treatment to address the specific symptoms you’re facing due to your ENT condition.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our locations is staffed with a network of providers who are experts in the field of ENT care and frequently collaborate amongst one another to help expand their horizons of care.

Centers of Excellence

Utilizing the latest medical technology, our offices help us deliver the best possible patient experience.

Continuity of Care

We believe in helping patients achieve long-term relief from their conditions, allowing them to improve their quality of life.

Who Can Experience Hoarseness? 

Many patients experience hoarseness, even if just for a short period of time. Those who yell, sing, or smoke frequently are at greater risk for hoarseness.

Symptoms of Hoarseness:

  • Raspy voice
  • Strained voice
  • Difficulty speaking loudly
  • Difficulty changing vocal pitch

Hoarseness FAQ's

When should I see a doctor for hoarseness?

You should see a doctor if the hoarseness is unexpected, lasts for a prolonged period of time, or recurs frequently.

Is hoarseness in children cause for alarm?

Not necessarily. It is important to monitor your child to see if the hoarseness lasts longer than normal or becomes reoccurring.

With 18 convenient locations across the greater Houston & San Antonio areas, we’re never far away.

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