Hoarseness refers to a change in the normal sound of your voice to a lower pitch with a rough, husky sound. The most common cause is mild damage to your vocal cords as a result of prolonged use or shouting. In this case your voice will return to normal after a few days of rest. Damage may also be caused by prolonged and chronic coughing as well as an infection of the throat, such as laryngitis. Any growth or protrusion in your throat, such as a cyst, may affect the functioning of your vocal cords. Recurrent acid reflux (see Heartburn) may also cause damage to your vocal cords. Occasionally the nerve that controls your vocal cords may be damaged, this would result in a change in the sound of your voice. A postnasal drip may aggravate and inflame your vocal cords and disorders of your thyroid gland can also cause your voice to become hoarse. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if your voice does not return to normal after four days.
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