Voice problems

Voice problems usually include pain or discomfort when you speak or difficulty controlling the pitch, loudness, hoarseness, or quality of your voice.

As you exhale, air gently passes through your throat, across your open vocal cords, and out your mouth and nose. When you speak, your vocal cords close partially as air travels through them, causing vibrations and the unique sound of your voice. Your voice is the result of remarkable and complex interactions involving several body parts—especially the lungs, voice box (larynx), and mouth. Damage to any of these body parts can lead to a voice problem.

Typically, symptoms that mean you may have a voice problem include:

• A low, raspy, or rough voice.
• Hoarseness that continues for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
• Trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Coughing or choking when you swallow.
• Frequent throat clearing or the sensation that you have a lump in your throat.

Your doctor can usually diagnose a voice problem using information from a medical history and by doing a physical exam. Other tests may be done to evaluate vocal cord vibration or to detect suspicious areas in your throat. Additional testing doesn't necessarily mean you have a serious voice problem—it just helps your doctor pinpoint the cause of your voice problem.

Treatment often can improve the voice. The treatment for your problem depends on how severe it is and what caused it. And keep in mind that it may take some time for your voice to improve or return to normal.

• Some voice problems get better on their own. These include voice problems caused by colds and flu.
• You may need medicine if your voice problems are caused by medical conditions.
• You may need surgery if you have a growth on your vocal cords.
• Your doctor may suggest voice therapy if there are things you can do to use your voice in a healthier way.

There are things you can do to take care of your voice.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your throat moist. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can make your voice raspy and can increase your risk of throat cancer. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
• Rest your voice when it is irritated. Use email, send text messages, or write notes when you can.
• When you do talk, speak at a moderate volume. Don't whisper. It can be hard on your voice. And try not to talk loudly or shout.