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Hoarse voice

Also called: Hoarseness, laryngitis, raspy voice

A hoarse voice is usually caused by a cold, a viral throat infection, or overusing your voice, and gets better in 1 to 2 weeks. Acid reflux, smoking, and allergies can cause longer hoarseness. Hoarseness that lasts more than 3 weeks, especially if you smoke, should be checked to rule out a growth on the vocal cords.

Common causesColds, laryngitis, voice overuse, acid reflux, smoking
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifIt lasts more than 3 weeks, or with trouble breathing or swallowing
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Hoarseness means your voice sounds raspy, breathy, strained, or weaker. It usually comes from swelling of the vocal cords in the voice box (larynx).

Short-term hoarseness is usually from laryngitis due to a cold or from yelling or singing. Long-lasting hoarseness can come from acid reflux, smoking, vocal cord nodules or polyps, nerve problems, and, less often, cancer of the voice box.

When to get medical care

Call 911Hoarseness with trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or drooling.
Get care todayHoarseness with trouble swallowing or coughing up blood. A child with hoarseness and noisy breathing.
See a doctor soonHoarseness that lasts more than 3 weeks, or 2 weeks if you smoke. Hoarseness with a lump in the neck. Hoarseness after neck or chest surgery. Losing your voice completely for more than a few days.

Causes

Common causes include colds and laryngitis, voice overuse, acid reflux, allergies, postnasal drip, and smoking. Other causes include vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts, inhaled steroids, thyroid problems, nerve damage after surgery, Parkinson's disease, and cancer of the throat or lungs.

OwieClear has pages on 6 conditions that can cause hoarse voice. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

Less likely causes

  • Non-small cell lung cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    The most common type of lung cancer, making up about 85 in 100 cases.

  • Anaplastic thyroid cancerOften needs care today

    A rare, very fast-growing thyroid cancer, usually in adults over 60.

  • Hypopharyngeal cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Cancer of the lower part of the throat, just above the esophagus and behind the voice box.

  • Tracheal cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A rare cancer of the windpipe.

What you can do at home

  • Rest your voice.
  • Don't whisper, which strains the vocal cords.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Breathe in steam or use a humidifier.
  • Don't smoke, and avoid smoky places.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine.

Medicines

Treating the cause helps: acid reducers for reflux, allergy medicines, or voice therapy. Rinse your mouth after using an inhaled steroid. Antibiotics don't help viral laryngitis.

At the doctor

The provider will look at your vocal cords if hoarseness lasts.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long you've been hoarse
  • Voice use, smoking, and alcohol
  • Heartburn or reflux
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Recent surgery

The exam

An exam of the throat and neck.

Tests

  • Laryngoscopy (a small camera to look at the vocal cords)
  • A biopsy if a growth is found

Prevention

You can protect your voice.

  • Don't smoke
  • Avoid yelling and overuse
  • Drink water
  • Treat reflux

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.