I am writing out of deep concern about my voice quality. I have been dealing with hoarseness, loss of upper range and straining to talk. My symptoms have been bothering me for 8-10 weeks. I do work in a profession where I must speak all day long and realize that I may be dealing with nodules or cysts. I also realize that there may be a far more frightening cause as I was a light smoker for 20 years and have also been a light social drinker as well. My GP has me on a course of antibiotics as a precaution incase something bacterial is lurking. I am skeptical about good results from this as I have no pain, fever or swollen glands. I am awaiting an appointment with an ENT for examination and realize I cannot be diagnosed online. I am concerned about the length of time I am waiting for proper examination and some sort of treatment to begin. If I have something pathological invading my larynx will waiting a few more weeks make a huge difference to it s progression? I should probably say that there is no serious pain other than a bit of strain. Also, is it possible that my voice just needs time to recover after being inflamed should the antibiotics actually be the correct coarse of treatment? Is there anything else that I should test for while I await my ENT appt? Say TSH or thyroid panel? Thank you so much for your attention as I am so deeply concerned. David 40yrs old