When unwell, a common experience is a change in your voice, often making it sound deeper, hoarse, or even leading to a temporary loss. This transformation occurs due to how infections disrupt the intricate mechanics of voice production.
How Your Voice Works
The human voice originates in the larynx, or voice box, a structure at the top of the windpipe. Inside are two bands of tissue called vocal cords. These cords open when you breathe and then close and vibrate rapidly as air passes over them from the lungs to produce sound.
The pitch of your voice is determined by the tension, thickness, and length of these vocal cords. Tighter, thinner, and longer vocal cords produce a higher pitch, while looser, thicker, and shorter cords result in a lower pitch. Muscles within and around the larynx precisely adjust these properties, allowing for a wide range of vocal sounds.
The Impact of Illness on Vocal Cords
Illnesses, particularly upper respiratory infections like colds or the flu, frequently cause inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords, a condition known as laryngitis. This inflammation makes the vocal cords thicker and heavier. This increased mass and reduced flexibility alter their normal vibratory pattern, causing them to vibrate at a lower frequency, which results in a deeper or hoarse voice.
Infections also trigger increased mucus production in the respiratory tract, which can accumulate on the vocal cords. A coating of mucus further interferes with the smooth vibration of the vocal cords, contributing to a muffled or deeper sound.
Coughing, a common symptom of many illnesses, also strains the vocal cords. Each forceful cough can irritate and swell the vocal cords. This repeated impact can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to vocal changes, making the voice sound rougher or deeper.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While voice changes during illness are often temporary and resolve as you recover, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. It is advisable to consult a doctor if hoarseness persists for more than two to three weeks, especially if it is not accompanied by typical cold or flu symptoms. Persistent hoarseness could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Immediate medical care is recommended if voice changes are accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe pain when speaking or swallowing, or the complete loss of voice for more than a few days. Other concerning signs include coughing up blood, feeling a lump in the neck, or experiencing voice changes unrelated to a clear illness, as these may signal other health issues.