What Causes Sudden Extreme Hoarseness Of Voice?

Posted on Tue, 3 Jun 2014

Question: About one month ago i woke up with extreme hoarseness. My voice is so distorted that I am embarrassed to speak face-to-face or on the phone. There is no pain. At first, I thought it might be caused by a medication I was taking for GERD (omeprazole) since the literature which came with it listed "unusual hoarseness " as a possible side effect. My gastro doctor changed the medication to Dexilant but after two weeks it had no effect and I still have this voice problem. I will appreciate any suggestions you may have as to how to preceed in allieviating it. I take no other medication except OTC sleep tablets and immodium to control bowel problems caused by prostate radiation treatment 10 years ago
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hoarseness of voice for evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query.
Sudden hoarseness of voice , persisting for about a month, associated with gastritis, not reduced on stopping omeprazole., suggests that there is a laryngeal lesion/ lesion in vocal cords.
Voice box can be seen only by indirect laryngeal examination/ or by fibre optic laryngoscopy.
Infection of vocal cords, edema of vocal cords, vocal cord nodules, vocal cord poylp , chronic gastritis, chronic infection of larynx, laryngeal cancer, any of these diseases cam cause hoarseness of voice.
I suggest you to consult a ent specialist, and get yourself examined.
It is not advisable to give any empirical treatment /over the counter drugs for this conditions, keeping in mind your age and medical history.
For your bladder sling wire felt in vagina, you can consult your gynecologist.
Continue other medications which your taking.
Hope my answers have helped you.
Pleased to help you further. Thanks

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. Vinay Bhardwaj