What Causes A Wheezy Noise While Breathing And Weak Voice?

Posted on Tue, 23 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 4 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor. I had a bad bout of viral laryngitis last summer which resulted in a two month cough. After that my voice returned to normal. I had strep throat a month ago which was very painful but has cleared. However now I find a "wheezy" noise when I intake breath, and my voice in the upper ranges has gone wheezy and weak. I have slight blocked sinuses and blocked ears. It's driving me crazy as I used to sing quite a lot. I can eat fine, but sometimes a slight burning sensation at the back of my throat. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
vocal cord polyp or irritation

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
You may have developed a vocal cord polyp or laryngeal irritation. The burning sensation may mean that you are having reflux of stomach acid which can make laryngeal irritation worse.
First I would try taking some antacids to stop the reflux just before bedtime. If that does not resolve the problem then you need to see an ENT specialist that can use a scope to look at your larynx and vocal cords and determine if you have something like a polyp. These can often be treated in the ENT's office.
I wish you the best and let me know if you have further questions
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar