What Causes Hoarseness In The Voice When Diagnosed With Pneumonia?

Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016

Question: I was diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized Nov. 12th. Since then I still have a hoarse voice and people can barely hear me when I speak. When is this going to stop and what can I do about it.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngitits

Detailed Answer:
Probably u have laryngitis alongwith pneumonia, take steam inhalation and lozenges..try to speak less..it ll go in few days.
It happens with nebulizer mostly

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (59 minutes later)

That response was info I'd already gathered from websites. I was expecting more. Does not seem worth $18.00.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Acute laryngitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi there
the diagnosis would be same as according to your complaints..laryngitis is infection of the voice box and it happens very common with nebulization in pneumonia patients
you already might be on antibiotics for pneumonia, these would work with your laryngitis also
what extra is required, i have told you to take steam inhalation, voice rest and lozenges
Thanks and take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (10 hours later)

I do not have pneumonia anymore and am not on antibiotics anymore. They never used a nebulizer at the hospital. So your advice is not helpful. Laryngitis includes a sore throat and hard to swallow, none of which I've had. The $18.00 I paid was really for nothing. I would like a refund please.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am sorry that my answer couldn't satisfy you but, to correct you, laryngitis is the inflammation of larynx also called voice box. Hoarseness of voice occurs only once glottis is involved meaning, the vocal cords are affected. They can be affected due to infection or instrumentation or allergy.

When a person has pneumonia i.e. Lung infection, he/she may get laryngitis. Even laryngitis or hoarseness, whatever we call, can occur spontaneously as immunity is already low. Because of pneumonia, you have already been on antibiotics ( may be not currently), so laryngitis is probably not infective, hence one must go for remedies to resolve it, which include voice rest, steam inhalation, avoiding smoking completely.

Sir I have tried my best to help you out and will do that in future too. I can understand a heavy throat is very troubling but the disease follows a course.

Thanks for the querry

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D