Coughs and Colds

Your hoarse or lost voice is probably caused by a viral infection. Alternatively, if you have shouted, screamed, or talked more than usual recently, your hoarse voice may be from vocal cord muscle fatigue. Both of these problems clear up on their own. Unless your symptoms persist, you probably do not need to visit with your doctor. While your voice remains hoarse, try to minimize your efforts to speak. Whispering is fatiguing for your vocal cords and should also be avoided until you are recovered.

Click here for information on laryngitis.

START OVER    PREVIOUS

Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006 Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

Related About.com Content

• Cold and Flu

• Infectious Disease

• Lung Diseases