Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Severe Hoarseness In The Voice Of An Elderly Lady?

I am an 82 yr old woman, a former teacher. I have having severe coarseness in my voice. I have it daily now and i am very croaky every day now. It used to be an unusual event, but not now. I do have acid reflux, but keep it controlled most of the time. I am also on a low dose thyroid medicine. I have read in several articles that taking biotin (and I take large doses for my nails, which split horribly if I don t) will affect your thyroid tests and they recommend not taking the biotin 7 days before the blood work. What could be going on with the Gravel Gertie voice and how do I find relief OR is it just old age?? Darn!!
Fri, 10 Mar 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thankyou for the query at healthcare magic


Hoarsness of voice can occur due to laryngitis as a result of bacterial /viral infection, allergies, vocal nodules, Gastro Esophageal reflux disease ( GERD), hypothyroidism,voice over use etc

Since you have a history of GERD it is a likely possibility. Also thyroid level have to be checked to confirm that you are receiving adequate supplementation of thyroid hormone.

However thorough ear,nose and throat examination is needed at this time to come to a definite diagnosis.

I recommend that you consult an ENT specialist for further evaluation and management.
Mean while give voice rest , warm saline water gargle and continue treatment of GERD
Here are few tips to help control GERD
-Avoid fatty,fried and spicy food
-Do not go to bed immediately after eating. Give atleast two hours between dinner and bed time.
-Avoid carbonated,caffeinated drinks
-Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
-Raise the head end of bed using wood blocks under bed post.
-Medications like pantoprazole

Hope I was able to answer your question
Please feel free to address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Severe Hoarseness In The Voice Of An Elderly Lady?

Hello, Thankyou for the query at healthcare magic Hoarsness of voice can occur due to laryngitis as a result of bacterial /viral infection, allergies, vocal nodules, Gastro Esophageal reflux disease ( GERD), hypothyroidism,voice over use etc Since you have a history of GERD it is a likely possibility. Also thyroid level have to be checked to confirm that you are receiving adequate supplementation of thyroid hormone. However thorough ear,nose and throat examination is needed at this time to come to a definite diagnosis. I recommend that you consult an ENT specialist for further evaluation and management. Mean while give voice rest , warm saline water gargle and continue treatment of GERD Here are few tips to help control GERD -Avoid fatty,fried and spicy food -Do not go to bed immediately after eating. Give atleast two hours between dinner and bed time. -Avoid carbonated,caffeinated drinks -Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking -Raise the head end of bed using wood blocks under bed post. -Medications like pantoprazole Hope I was able to answer your question Please feel free to address any more concerns Regards, Dr.Lekshmi