Hoarseness is an abnormal sound to the voice. Often caused by a cold, or seasonal allergy, hoarseness is generally an acute problem, and resolves on its own after a short duration. However, chronic hoarseness may develop due to some persistent irritation of the vocal chords, or to an underlying health condition. A medical evaluation can rule out serious causes of chronic hoarseness.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition where stomach acid frequently splashes up into the esophagus, and is defined as acid reflux that occurs more than two times per week, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. With GERD, stomach acid can rise up into the throat, irritating and inflaming the vocal cords. This can lead to chronic laryngitis, producing a hoarse voice. Treating GERD prevents further irritation to the vocal cords, allowing them to heal and the voice to return to normal.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is located in the neck in close proximity to the vocal cords. Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. Sometimes, the developing disease process creates pressure or inflammation in the throat, causing a chronic hoarse voice. Correcting the underlying thyroid hormone imbalance can alleviate this symptom.
Polyps and Nodules
Growths on the vocal cords, either nodules or polyps, can arise due to injury or persistent irritation. Nodules form mainly from frequent misuse of the voice, such as shouting and loud singing. Polyps can form because of chronic allergies, cigarette smoke and other inhaled irritants, GERD or chronic low thyroid function. Both nodules and polyps lead to a chronic hoarse voice. Merck Manuals Medical Library reports that most nodules will resolve after voice abuse stops. Polyps usually require surgical removal in order to cure the hoarseness.
Laryngeal Cancer
Cancer of the voice box, or larynx, is a less common, but serious cause of chronic hoarseness. The location of the tumor dictates the symptom picture. Tumors on the vocal cords, rather than above or below them, tend to have hoarseness as an early sign. Abuse of alcohol and smoking are risk factors for laryngeal cancer. Over 95 percent of cases are in smokers, says the Merck Manuals Medical Library. Anyone with hoarseness of more than three weeks duration should have a medical examination to rule out cancer of the larynx.
