My Voice Has Been Hoarse for Weeks β Should I Worry?
A hoarse voice that lingers can be concerning. Here is what you need to know.
Hoarseness is very common and usually caused by minor, temporary issues. But when it lasts longer than a few weeks, it deserves attention.
- Common causes:
- Laryngitis β from a cold, virus, or overusing your voice (most common)
- Vocal cord strain β yelling, singing, or speaking too much
- Acid reflux β stomach acid can reach the vocal cords and cause irritation
- Allergies or sinus drainage β mucus irritates the vocal cords
- Smoking β chronic irritation from tobacco smoke
- Vocal cord nodules or polyps β non-cancerous growths from voice overuse, common in teachers and singers
Less commonly, persistent hoarseness can be a sign of vocal cord cancer (laryngeal cancer), especially in smokers.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Hoarseness that came after a cold or overusing your voice
- Improves with rest
- Comes and goes
- No pain
- Worth having checked:
- Hoarseness that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Hoarseness that is getting worse
- Pain when speaking or swallowing
- Coughing up blood
- Trouble breathing or noisy breathing
- Ear pain
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor if:
- Your voice has been hoarse for more than 3 weeks
- You smoke or used to smoke
- You have trouble breathing or swallowing
- You have ear pain along with hoarseness
- You cough up blood