Your provider will also examine your thyroid gland and lymph nodes. A raspy voice indicates vocal cord thickening due to swelling, inflammation from infection, a chemical irritant, voice abuse, or paralysis of the vocal cords. A high, shaky voice or a very soft voice indicates trouble getting enough breathing force or air. Because hoarseness is a symptom and not a disease, your health care provider will order lab tests depending on the findings of your physical exam. These may include a biopsy, x-rays, a test for thyroid function, or other tests.
Treatment varies depending on the condition causing the hoarseness.
If you are a smoker and develop hoarseness, your health care provider will advise you to stop smoking immediately and to rest your voice. If you have acute laryngitis, your health care provider may prescribe a topical steroid spray, humidified warm or cool air, and resting your voice. You may be given adrenalin or corticosteroid drugs. If nodules have formed on your vocal cords, your health care provider will prescribe drug therapy and recommend that you rest your voice. Nodules can be surgically removed, if necessary.