HOARSE VOICE

Hoarse voice or dysphonia is a voice disturbance that is caused by larynx alterations. It may be caused by forcing or using the voice in excess.

Hoarse voice during a cold or viral laryngitis rarely causes problems. It manifests itselfas a rough voice, dry irritating cough and sore throat, which disappears in a few days. As treatment, it is useful to rest the voice and provide a humid environment (avoid dry air conditioning environments); gargling with warm salty water or hexetidine (DRAWER 7, first aid kits A and B) may also help. Antibiotics are not useful. If cough is disturbing and without mucous, an anti coughing agent such as codeine (DRAWER 6, first aid kits A and B) may be used. Do not smoke, do not drink cold beverages and, most importantly, do not force the voice.

A doctor ashore should assess any hoarse voice lasting longer than two weeks, which does not ease with treatment.