HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)hoarseness of voiceWhy does my voice sound weird, crack, or become hoarse while talking?

How can a patient with a history of Graves' disease, thyroid swelling, and neck pain manage his hoarse voice?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 5, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 3, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing voice hoarseness for the past two to three months. Sometimes, my voice cracks or I have some issues while talking. It just sounds different. When I am at work, I have to raise my voice, and I notice my voice cracks and sounds weird. Also, I have to clear my throat often, even if there is no mucus. I have noticed a bit of belching as well. This started happening after I had slight neck pain when swallowing. This pain was just above or in line with Adam's apple but on the left side of it. It went away, and after that, I started noticing the hoarseness. I do not have a lump or anything in my throat when I swallow. I do not smoke or drink. I do have a history of Graves' disease with thyroid swelling. I had an ultrasound done, but no nodules were found in that. I am a soccer coach, and I have a lot of soda. Please suggest something for voice hoarseness.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I think you have chronic laryngitis based on your history. Sore throat, voice breaks, vocal fatigue, and hoarseness can be a part of the symptom complex. One of the important management aspects is vocal hygiene, avoiding faulty use of voice, maintaining adequate rehydration, antireflux medications, and avoiding fatty or oily meals, especially at night. Take meals at least two and a half hours before going to bed. Since the problem is recurring, modification of these risk factors is important. You may also need to undergo a fiber-optic laryngoscopy to rule out a structural lesion of the vocal cords.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

Do you think we should consult an ENT surgeon? I tried adjusting my diet and stopped taking caffeinated beverages for a week or two to see if my symptoms would improve, but they did not improve. Also, my primary physician prescribed Omeprazole 40 mg for 30 days, but I never took the medication as I might have missed a few days throughout the 30-day course. I am just worried because I read online that it might be a cancer symptom.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

These symptoms can be present in cancer, but that does not mean it is cancer. Fortunately, more benign causes are more common and important than the other causes. So you need not worry. Instead, you might try what your primary care physician suggested in addition to other measures, and if the symptoms persist, then go for an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon consultation to examine your throat.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Syed Peerzada Tehmid Ul Haque
Dr. Syed Peerzada Tehmid Ul Haque

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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