HOARSENESS

The common causes of a hoarse voice are:

• Laryngeal thrush (see Candidiasis)

• Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy

Patients commonly fear that the voice will be lost completely. They can be reassured that this will not occur.

Hoarseness due to laryngeal palsy is usually seen in cancer of the bronchus. It can be treated with a teflon injection lateral to the paralyzed cord. This pushes the cord medially so it opposes with the functioning cord, restoring the voice.

The author and publisher have taken precautions to ensure that the information in this book is error-free. However, readers must be guided by their own personal and professional standards of good practice in evaluating and applying recommendations made herein. The contents of this book represent the views and experience of the author, and not necessarily those of the publisher.