Chronic hoarseness is more than just a rough or scratchy voice. It can be a sign that something deeper is going on in your body.
If your voice has sounded hoarse for more than a few weeks, you shouldn’t ignore it. Your voice relies on your vocal cords working properly, and when something irritates or affects them, it can lead to ongoing changes in how you sound.
At Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia, Aliu O. Sanni, MD, evaluates the underlying causes of symptoms like chronic hoarseness to help you find answers and relief. This careful evaluation helps you understand what may be causing your symptoms and guides you toward the right treatment.
One of the most common causes of chronic hoarseness is acid reflux, especially a type called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). This happens when stomach acid travels up into your throat and irritates your vocal cords.
If you have symptoms like heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, or frequent throat clearing, reflux could be the reason your voice has experienced a change. This is especially important to consider if you’re overweight, as extra weight can increase pressure on your stomach and make reflux more likely.
Chronic hoarseness can also be linked to other conditions. Overuse or strain of your voice, like talking loudly, yelling, or singing, can irritate your vocal cords over time. Allergies, smoking, or exposure to irritants like dust or chemicals can also play a role.
In some cases, hoarseness may be the result of growths on the vocal cords, such as nodules or polyps, or even nerve-related issues.
If you’re considering or recovering from bariatric surgery, you should take voice changes seriously. While weight loss can improve reflux and overall health, it’s still important to evaluate symptoms like hoarseness to rule out any underlying concerns.
We can provide a thorough evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are related to reflux, vocal strain, or another issue that needs treatment.
Some signs we should check your hoarseness include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our team right away for an evaluation, so we can find the cause and prevent further issues.
The good news is that many causes of chronic hoarseness are treatable once we identify the underlying issue. Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, voice rest, or further evaluation.
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing hoarseness, don’t wait to get it checked. We can learn about your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and treat your condition.
Schedule a consultation today to take the next step toward feeling better and speaking clearly again. Call us at 770-559-0778 to schedule an evaluation or click here to book an appointment online.
