Hoarseness and Swallowing Issues

Hoarseness & Cough

Hoarseness, cough, and swallowing issues tend to go hand-in-hand. While these issues are often temporary and short-lived, they can often be uncomfortable and frustrating to deal with. If you’re experiencing persistent issues, consider visiting our clinic.


Voice changes going on more than 3 months is concerning. If you are experiencing this, issues with  chronic cough or constant drainage, allow us an opportunity to perform  thorough workup to get you on the right track.


 

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Causes of Voice Changes

Overuse or Singing


The vocal cords are our own musical instrument. They use muscles and delicate vibration of the lining to make sound. When the vocal cords are irritated or even tired, your voice can be affected. 


Nodules, Cysts, and Cancer of the Larynx


Different types of masses can develop in the larynx, which can cause cough and voice changes. Many of the vocal cord lesions are benign cysts that can be treated with voice therapy or minimally invasive vocal cord surgery. However, cancers can occur in this area and should be evaluated with laryngoscopy and biopsy.


Vocal cord paralysis


Vocal cord nerve injury can occur from viruses, tumors in the chest, thyroid, and neck, as well as from surgeries in the neck. A paralyzed vocal cord usually causes a weakened voice because the vocal cords are unable to vibrate together to make sound. Aspiration of food and liquids can be a risk of vocal cord injuries.

Causes of Chronic Cough

Asthma


Asthma is a restrictive problem in the lungs. Many people with asthma have difficulty, either seasonally or all the time. Some people can have subtle asthma that only causes coughing.  


Sinusitis


Thick drainage in the back of the throat can lead to a chronic cough. Getting checked for postnasal drip from chronic sinusitis can be helpful in determining the cause of the chronic cough. Sinus surgery may be needed to treat sinus infections that are contributing to your cough and drainage.


Gastric reflux and allergies


What you eat and your environment can contribute to voice and cough issues. Working up laryngopharyngeal reflux disease or allergies is an important step to improving your symptoms.

Other ENT Conditions

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