Update on Management of Hoarseness

Dysphonia is altered voice quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication or decreases voice-related quality of life. Hoarseness is vocal roughness and a possible manifestation of dysphonia. This article uses the broader term dysphonia because it reflects of a wide range of voice complaints, with or without vocal roughness. Dysphonia is often caused by benign conditions but may also be the sentinel symptom of a serious or progressive condition requiring immediate diagnosis and management. The role of laryngeal visualization in assessment and diagnosis for these patients is critical.