Hoarseness (Laryngitis) is an inflammation of the voice box, or larynx that causes your voice to become raspy or hoarse. It can be short-term or long-term depending on the underlying cause. It can be caused by colds, acid reflux, allergies, smoking or overuse of voice. Long term (chronic) symptoms can be due to acid reflux, nerve damage, sores or polyps (hard and thick nodules) on your vocal cords. A physical exam will help determine the cause and severity of the hoarseness. Treatment can include resting the voice and drinking lots of fluids, speech therapy, change of habits that can cause the laryngitis or surgery to remove the polyps. Surgeries include Microlaryngoscopy with Excision or Biopsy.
Call Western Michigan ENT at (231) 398-9536 for more information or to schedule an appointment.