Coughs and Colds

Your hoarse or lost voice has lasted longer than the duration of a usual vocal cord viral infection ("laryngitis"). Symptoms that last longer than one or two weeks ("chronic laryngitis") are more often the result of chemical irritation from refluxed stomach acid or another irritant. Inhaled steroids (for asthma or bronchitis) or nasal sprays containing steroids (for allergy symptoms) can also cause a hoarse voice. Less commonly, a persistent voice problem may result from cancer. It is advisable for you to see your doctor so that your hoarse or lost voice can be evaluated.