The roughness of the voice is an abnormal change in the voice, which occurs as a result of inflammation of the vocal cords, and this inflammation occurs for several reasons, which we will talk about in detail in this article, in addition to the most prominent symptoms and how to treat.

Causes of the roughness of the voice

There are a variety of reasons that may cause the voice to become rough, including:

1. Laryngitis

Laryngitis is one of the most common causes of thickening of the voice, and acute laryngitis occurs as a result of an upper respiratory infection such as influenza, or as a result of excessive use of the voice, such as talking or singing loudly, or talking for a long time without resting or speaking in a very loud or low voice. .

In the event that the hoarseness does not recover after three weeks, the condition is diagnosed with chronic laryngitis that occurs as a result of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, gastroesophageal reflux disease and frequent exposure to dust and chemicals that irritate the larynx.

2. Vocal cord nodules or cysts

The roughness of the voice sometimes occurs as a result of the appearance of vocal cord nodules or cysts, which are non-cancerous tumors that arise in the vocal cords, as a result of excessive friction and pressure on the vocal cords.

3. Vocal cord bleeding

Vocal cord hemorrhage occurs when one of the blood vessels located on the surface of the vocal cords ruptures, resulting in a roughness of the voice and the inability to speak or sing. In this case, the voice must be rested and a specialist doctor should be consulted.

4. Vocal cord paralysis

Vocal cord paralysis can cause the voice to become hoarse. Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or more vocal cords do not function normally, as a result of an injury to the head, neck, or chest, thyroid cancer or lung cancer.

5. Neurological disorders

Some neurological disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and spastic dysphonia, affect parts of the brain that control the muscles in the throat and larynx, causing the voice to become hoarse.

6. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid rises up the throat and may reach the vocal cords, causing GERD. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease often have a hoarse voice upon awakening.

Symptoms accompanying the roughness of the voice

There are a number of symptoms that may accompany the roughness of the voice, depending on the cause of the infection, and these symptoms include:

• Feeling of a lump or swelling in the throat.
• dry throat;
• The constant need to clean the throat.
• Persistent cough.
• Posterior nasal drip.
• difficulty swallowing;
• Sore throat.
• The presence of mucus in the throat.
• A feeling of bitterness in the throat, often a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

When do you consult a doctor?

In most cases, this problem is occasional and does not cause concern, but if it continues for more than 3 weeks, especially in the case of flu or cold symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor quickly when seeing these signs:

• coughing up blood
• A lump or swelling in the neck.
• Pain when talking or swallowing.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Loss of voice for a few days.

What is the treatment of the roughness of the voice?

The treatment of hoarseness depends on the diagnosis of the disease causing this injury, according to the following:

• In the case of a heavy voice as a result of excessive use of it, in screaming or talking loudly, or as a result of vocal cord bleeding, the treatment is to rest the voice completely, even not whispering because this increases the inflammation of the vocal cords.
• In the case of infections that affect the respiratory system, such as the common cold, it is treated by taking medications prescribed by a specialist.
• In the case of acute laryngitis, a specialist may prescribe corticosteroids or antibiotics.
• In the case of gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is treated with antacid medications and proton pump inhibitors.
• In the case of neurological disorders, certain medications are taken that help treat these disorders.
• In the case of vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or cysts, surgical procedures may be used to treat these conditions.
• In the case of laryngeal cancer, it is treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgical intervention.

How to avoid the roughness of the voice

There are a number of tips to avoid this infection:

• stop smoking.
• Make sure to wash your hands well, to avoid infection, because this infection often comes as a result of a respiratory infection.
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking an appropriate amount of water daily.
• Avoid drinks that increase dehydration, such as caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid taking decongestants, which make your voice worse.
• Using lozenges and chewing gum, which helps stimulate the secretion of saliva, which contributes to moistening the throat.
• Taking a hot bath, which helps open the airways.
• Use a humidifier, which helps open the airways and improve breathing.
• Avoid excessive use of the voice, in yelling or speaking loudly, or for long periods.
• Avoid eating spicy foods.

In the end, the roughness of the voice is considered a disorder that often does not cause concern, but in the event that this condition does not improve after three weeks, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor quickly, to diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.