Hoarseness
What is hoarseness?
Hoarseness means a weakened or weak voice.
Occurrence
- Hoarseness is common, but it is not a frequent reason for contacting a doctor. In general, only people who are particularly dependent on their voices for their work seek medical attention for hoarseness.
- Most people have experienced hoarseness in connection with upper respiratory infections such as colds or sore throats
- Hoarseness is also common with overuse of the voice or misuse of the voice
- Long-term smokers often become hoarse
Common causes
- Chronic irritation of the diaphragm (overuse of voice, smoke, alcohol)
- Ostomy thrush
- Vocal cord polyps
- Low metabolism
- Chronic sinusitis
- Medication
- Throat cancer
- Other causes
Who can help you?
One of our ear, nose and throat specialists will be able to perform a satisfactory examination in order to make the correct diagnosis and start appropriate treatment.
We have standardized procedures as well as access to state-of-the-art equipment to ensure our patients are thoroughly and quickly assessed. We have the option of examining the vocal cords with a camera that is inserted into the throat. At Lysaker, we also have the option of vocal cord examination with recording (stroboscopy).