Hoarseness and a persistent sore throat are common symptoms that could indicate an underlying condition, such as acid reflux, allergies, tonsillitis, or upper respiratory infections. Other factors can also affect the larynx (voice box). If you experience persistent symptoms, particularly accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing, seeking medical advice from one of our specialists is recommended.
Related Symptoms
- Acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion
- Cough and throat clearing
- Swallowing Problems
Hoarseness of voice symptoms
nfrequent hoarseness or a sore throat is typically not a cause for concern. However, if these symptoms persist for more than three weeks, we recommend seeking advice from one of our specialists. Your condition may be referred to as dysphonia.
Symptoms of a hoarse voice can include:
- Raspy, croaky or strained voice
- Softer volume or complete loss of voice
- Lower pitched voice
- Dry, sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Frequent need to clear your throat
- Mucus in the throat
The presence of hoarseness and soreness in the throat can indicate a range of both benign and more serious underlying issues. We invite you to continue reading to explore some of the common causes of dysphonia.
What causes hoarseness of voice?
A hoarse voice can be caused by simple factors, such as:
- Overuse or misuse e.g. shouting, prolonged singing or speaking
- Smoking, alcohol or caffeine
- Exposure to chemicals or dust
- Excessive coughing
- Cold or sinus infection
- Allergies
However, at times, a hoarse voice may be indicative of an underlying condition or disease, which could include
- Laryngitis
- Acid reflux
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD)
- Growths on the vocal cords, such as a nodule, polyp, or cyst
- Nerve or muscle condition
- Respiratory infection
- Laryngeal cancer
- Oesophageal cancer
Some of these are more common than others, so it’s important to speak with a specialist to get a thorough examination and diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic approach to hoarseness of voice is tailored to the individual’s symptoms and presentation.
During the consultation, our specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes a thorough examination of the throat, both externally and internally, to identify any abnormalities. We will also inquire about the duration of the symptoms and the presence of any other related symptoms. Keeping a symptom tracker may be helpful if the symptoms are recurring over a prolonged period.
Additionally, a blood test may be conducted to assess overall health and identify signs of any infection. If acid reflux is suspected, we may perform an endoscopy with wireless 96-hour pH capsule to diagnose or exclude reflux conditions, such as LPR or GORD. In some cases, a biopsy to identify abnormal cells may also be taken.
Scans, such as CT or MRI, may also be recommended depending on the severity of the symptoms and initial findings.
Lastly, we may refer you to an ENT specialist for a more comprehensive examination of the throat and voice box (larynx).
Treatment
After identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms, we will devise a treatment plan accordingly. If your symptoms are due to overuse or misuse of your voice, we may suggest trying at-home remedies as an initial step.
At-home remedies include :
- Resting your voice for a few days – no or minimal speaking
- Painkillers or lozenges, if you have a sore, painful throat
- Drinking plenty of water and other soothing fluids
- Avoid fizzy drinks, caffeine and alcohol
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding spicy, fatty foods
- Take a hot shower – the steam can provide much-needed moisture
- Take an antacid if you know you are prone to acid reflux
If the at-home remedies fail to alleviate your symptoms, we advise booking a consultation with one of our specialists.
For those who experience regular acid reflux, we recommend speaking to one of our specialists to determine the root cause of your problem. This can help us identify a more effective treatment approach than your current one.
