Hoarseness of voice

Symptoms

Hoarseness of voice

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.

Schedule an appointment

Book now

Hoarseness of voice Read More »

Cough and throat clearing

Symptoms

Cough and throat clearing

Whilst occasional coughing or throat clearing is natural, persistent and excessive coughing may warrant further examination. If you are experiencing frequent coughing, soreness in the throat, or hoarseness without displaying symptoms commonly associated with the common cold or influenza, it is plausible that stomach acid may be irritating your vocal cords, airways, or throat. It is recommended to seek professional evaluation from one of our specialists.

Please continue reading to comprehend the various origins of persistent coughing and throat clearing.

Related Symptoms

  • - Acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion
  • - Hoarseness of voice
  • - Swallowing Problems

Causes of chronic cough and throat clearing

Persistent coughing and throat clearing may arise from complications in your digestive tract. Nonetheless, other conditions such as asthma could also instigate your symptoms. Please peruse the ensuing list to discern the potential causes correlated with your digestive system.

Acid Reflux

Rising stomach acid causes acid reflux. You may feel sharp discomfort in your chest or throat, or you may have ‘silent’ reflux (LPR) – which causes no chest symptoms.

  • - Bad breath
  • - Bitter taste in your mouth
  • - Bloating
  • - Nausea

Barrett’s Oesophagus

Compromised oesophageal lining can culminate in Barrett’s oesophagus, generally resulting from acid reflux.

Acid reflux is a principal symptom of Barrett’s oesophagus and may provoke inflammation in the throat, eventually leading to persistent coughing and throat clearing.

Signs of Barrett’s encompass the following :

  • - Recurrent Heartburn
  • - Dysphagia
  • - Regurgitation

GORD/ GERD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) ensues from regular acid reflux, which is attributed to a weakened or relaxed sphincter. Individuals with increased vulnerability to GORD include those who are pregnant, overweight, or possess a hiatus hernia.

GORD exhibits similar indications to acid reflux, albeit with greater severity. Symptoms may include distension, eructation, halitosis, and oesophagitis. Heartburn, which is typically experienced more frequently than with acid reflux, is a prevalent manifestation amongst individuals diagnosed with GORD, often transpiring several times a week.

EoE

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), also referred to as oesophageal asthma, is an infrequent ailment causing chronic inflammation in the lining of the oesophagus, with the possibility of developing oesophageal strictures.

EoE could provoke symptoms like dysphagia, thoracic discomfort, and a sensation of food impeding your chest or progressing sluggishly down your oesophagus.

Swallowing Problems

Dysphagia, characterised by difficulties in swallowing, could cause irritation in your oesophagus, leading to persistent coughing or throat clearing. One possible cause of dysphagia is achalasia.

Dysphagia indications include regurgitation, mastication complications, and salivation.

Functional Cough and Throat Clearing

It is a condition that involves heightened sensitivity of the neural receptors in the throat, leading to an incessant urge to clear the throat. Though harmless, an accurate diagnosis and treatment could be acquired by consulting with an expert in the field.

Other causes include:

  • - Nasal allergies
  • - Anxiety disorder
  • - Tourette’s syndrome
  • - Medication side effect
  • - Lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis

Diagnosis

Upon initial consultation, we will meticulously inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing, their frequency, and the presence of any known triggers to establish the cause of your chronic cough and throat clearing. Subsequently, we will carry out several tests, the selection of which will depend on the underlying condition we suspect.

Some of the tests we may conduct are as follows:

  • - Barium swallow: allows us to view your upper gastrointestinal tract
  • - Laryngoscopy: to visually inspect your throat and larynx (voice box)
  • - Bravo capsule pH test: measures the acidity of fluid rising in your oesophagus
  • - Bravo capsule pH test: measures the acidity of fluid rising in your oesophagus
  • - 24-hour pH impedance test: measure the amount of fluid, as well as acidity in the oesophagus
  • - High-resolution oesophageal manometry: to see whether all the muscles and valves of the oesophagus are working properly

To obtain a clearer view of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and identify the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend an endoscopy.

If we suspect that your symptoms may be caused by a nasal allergy, we might advise you to undergo allergy testing.

Following the diagnosis of the underlying cause of your symptoms, we will suggest appropriate treatment options.

Treatment

The recommended treatment for your cough and throat clearing will vary depending on the underlying cause. If a digestive issue is not suspected, we may refer you to another specialist such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or respiratory doctor to rule out any potential lung conditions.

Home remedies for a cough and throat clearing include:

  • - Changes to your diet, such as following a Mediterranean diet
  • - Avoiding cow milk
  • - Elevating the head of your bed by 30 degrees or more
  • - Honey tea, or similar
  • - Drinking plenty of water
  • - Antihistamines to counter a potential allergic reaction
  • - Stress relief methods
  • - Sugar-free cough drops
  • - Cutting down on, or quitting, smoking and drinking alcohol

If the simple at-home remedies fail to alleviate your symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists. Based on the severity of your condition, we may prescribe medications or recommend non-surgical or surgical procedures, such as Stretta therapy or endoscopic dilatation. Our recommendations will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Schedule an appointment

Book now

Cough and throat clearing Read More »

Chest-Pain

Chest pain and discomfort

Symptoms

Chest pain and discomfort

Chest pain and discomfort can frequently be attributed to digestive issues, rather than cardiac problems. Non-cardiac chest pain is the medical term for chest pain that does not originate from the heart. Conditions such as acid reflux can generate a sharp, agonizing sensation in the chest. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness, it is important to seek emergency medical assistance.

Our gastroenterologist possesses the expertise necessary to identify whether your chest pain or discomfort is due to digestive issues.

Related Symptoms

  • - Abdominal pain
  • - Acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion
  • - Belching and Burping
  • - Hoarseness of voice
  • - Swallowing Problems

Is your chest pain an emergency?

Seek immediate medical advice for the following symptoms:

  • - Tightness in the chest
  • - Shortness of breath
  • - Pain that spreads and doesn’t go away after a few minutes

These are signs of a heart attack and require immediate assistance. If you experience these symptoms, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Chest pain symptoms caused by digestive problems

While it isn’t always clear what is causing your chest pain and discomfort, some key signs would indicate your pain is due to a digestive problem rather than a heart problem. 

Signs include:

  • - Chest pain after eating
  • - Pain in your chest while you eat
  • - Accompanied with digestive symptoms

If you experience the following digestive symptoms alongside your chest pain, it suggests your pain is due to a digestive problem. Though, you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor to rule out other causes of your chest pain first.

Symptoms that could indicate digestive problems include :

  • - Hiccups
  • - Abdominal pain
  • - Constipation
  • - Nausea and vomiting
  • - Belching and burping
  • - Hoarseness of voice
  • - Swallowing problems
  • - Acid reflux (a burning sensation in your chest)
  • - Blood in your stools, stools may be dark or black

Causes of non-cardiac chest pain and discomfort :

Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion

Acid reflux often causes a burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn. You may also experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Individuals with indigestion (dyspepsia) will often feel uncomfortably full after eating and may feel sick (nausea) and bloated.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refers to excessive acid reflux. Acid and bile flow up from the stomach via the food pipe (oesophagus) due to a relaxed or weak sphincter. Left untreated, this can lead to Barrett’s oesophagus, which has similar symptoms to acid reflux. GORD is the most common reason for non-cardiac chest pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS usually causes abdominal pain, though it may also cause pain in your chest, back, and jaw. For people with IBS, trapped gas often causes chest pain.

Functional dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a medical condition characterized by persistent symptoms of indigestion without a clear underlying cause. Symptoms of functional dyspepsia may include a burning sensation in the lower chest, bloating, nausea, and belching.

 

Swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders are medical conditions that affect the food pipe or oesophagus, resulting in difficulty swallowing. Pain along the oesophagus, which can be felt in the chest and other areas, may also be experienced. Such conditions may include achalasia or oesophageal spasm.

 

Additional digestive conditions that can cause non-cardiac chest pain

Below we list other conditions that cause chest pain and discomfort and where you are likely to feel that pain.

  • - Acute cholecystitis (Gallbladder inflammation) – upper chest pain on the right side
  • - Other gallbladder problems – possibly lower or upper chest pain on the right side
  • - Oesophageal hypersensitivity – higher chest pain coming from the throat area
  • - Oesophageal rupture – sudden, severe chest pain*
  • - Large hiatal hernia – lower chest pain
  • - Peptic ulcers – recurring discomfort
  • - Pancreatitis – lower chest pain

When to speak to a gastroenterologist :

After a cardiac condition has been excluded by your physician, alternative causes may be explored. If additional gastrointestinal symptoms, such as those aforementioned, are present, it would be prudent to consult with a gastroenterologist.

Our team of gastroenterologists will request a comprehensive account of your symptoms, their duration, and degree of severity. Moreover, we will delve into your medical history and that of your immediate family to deduce the most plausible causes.

Diagnosing non-cardiac chest pain

Primarily, it is imperative to establish the underlying cause of the discomfort before determining an appropriate treatment course. We can administer a variety of examinations to diagnose the source of the pain, such as an endoscopic investigation to scrutinize your oesophagus and upper gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Furthermore, other evaluations that may be conducted include:

  • - Barium swallow
  • - Laryngoscopy – If the pain extends to your throat
  • - Video fluoroscopy – If you are also experiencing trouble swallowing

Treatment

For a multitude of conditions that elicit thoracic pain and discomfort, we generally initiate lifestyle modifications to gauge the impact on your symptoms.

If there is an improvement in your symptoms, we may opt for monitoring your condition. Conversely, if no alteration or exacerbation is observed, pharmaceutical intervention may be prescribed. In cases of acute symptoms, alternative treatments may be recommended, contingent on the underlying cause of the condition.

Schedule an appointment

Book now

Chest pain and discomfort Read More »

Find your way to LSDC Healthcare
at Liverpool Street in London

Set as destination

Contact

Clinic Address

23 Widegate Street, City of London, London, E1 7HP, United Kingdom

Clinic Mobile

07404861023

Clinic Landline

020 7377 0939

Clinic Email

contact@dralbusoda.co.uk

Privacy Policy

Gastroenterology

Bariatric Surgery

GP

Urology