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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Inability To Speak Due To Sore Throat?

I have lost my voice for 3 weeks now. It started with a sore throat and cough, after a bad night of coughing my voice went and it hasn t been back since. The cough/cold I still have but my throat isn t sore anymore. I have antibiotics which I am taking. I am worried I have done something to my vocal cords or worse there is a tumor?
Fri, 19 Sep 2014
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ENT Specialist,  's  Response
Hi. The possibility of a tumour causing sudden loss of voice after a bad episode of coughing is very unlikely. It is more common for vocal cord edema or a vocal cord polyp (haemorrhagic) to occur after a bad episode of violent coughing. You will need an ENT evaluation if your voice has not returned to normal even after 3 weeks. A videolaryngoscopy of your vocal cords is indicated here.

There can be many reasons due to which you may have this persistent loss of voice-

1. The cough/cold if still present then this will not allow the vocal cords to heal. Coughing will continue the vocal cord injury and prevent recovery. ENT consultation for aggressive management of the cough and cold is recommended.

2. If adequate absolute voice rest for at least 48 hours has not been attempted then healing can be delayed. Voice rest is the main treatment for vocal cord abuse. Whispering is harmful for the vocal cords. If you do need to speak, then speak in a normal tone.

3. If the violent coughing has lead to nerve weakness that is causing incomplete closure of the vocal cords and leading to cough when trying to drink fluids. If this is the case you need to see an ENT at the earliest.

4. Due to violent coughing a haemorrhagic polyp may have erupted from the vocal cords. This will need surgical removal.

Do see your ENT specialist to have all of these ruled out and follow absolute voice rest for at least 48 hours.

Hoping for your speedy recovery.
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What Causes Inability To Speak Due To Sore Throat?

Hi. The possibility of a tumour causing sudden loss of voice after a bad episode of coughing is very unlikely. It is more common for vocal cord edema or a vocal cord polyp (haemorrhagic) to occur after a bad episode of violent coughing. You will need an ENT evaluation if your voice has not returned to normal even after 3 weeks. A videolaryngoscopy of your vocal cords is indicated here. There can be many reasons due to which you may have this persistent loss of voice- 1. The cough/cold if still present then this will not allow the vocal cords to heal. Coughing will continue the vocal cord injury and prevent recovery. ENT consultation for aggressive management of the cough and cold is recommended. 2. If adequate absolute voice rest for at least 48 hours has not been attempted then healing can be delayed. Voice rest is the main treatment for vocal cord abuse. Whispering is harmful for the vocal cords. If you do need to speak, then speak in a normal tone. 3. If the violent coughing has lead to nerve weakness that is causing incomplete closure of the vocal cords and leading to cough when trying to drink fluids. If this is the case you need to see an ENT at the earliest. 4. Due to violent coughing a haemorrhagic polyp may have erupted from the vocal cords. This will need surgical removal. Do see your ENT specialist to have all of these ruled out and follow absolute voice rest for at least 48 hours. Hoping for your speedy recovery.