Why My Voice Sounds Raspy? Hoarseness is a term that describes some uncommon changes in your voice. When hoarse, your voice may sound strained, breathed or raspy, or there may be some changes in your pitch volume. These changes in your voice are due to some changes in your vocal cords which are a part of your sound producing parts of the voice box. In your breathing, there is no role of your vocal cords, but when you speak these cords come together and as air leaves the lungs. Then vibrate and produce sounds. Any type of unusual changes like swelling or lumps in the cords prevents them coming together properly and changes the way the cords vibrate. This changes your voice, voice pitch and volume.
What Are The Causes? Acute Laryngitis: There are many causes of hoarseness. Some remain for a long time while some are not very serious and goes away in a short period of time. The most common cause for a raspy voice is laryngitis that occurs due to swelling from upper respiratory tract viral infection, a common cold, or irritation caused by excessive voice use like screaming at a sporting event or rock concert. Vocal Nodules: More prolonged hoarseness in your voice is due to either using your voice too much, too loudly or for extended periods of time. These habits can lead to vocal nodules, which are callous-like growths or vocal polyps (more swelling on cords). These both types of problems are benign and are common in both children and young who raise their voice during work or play. Gastroesophageal Reflux: A common cause of your harsh voice is gastro-esophageal reflux when the stomach acids come up and causes irritation in your vocal cords. Most of the people don't have heartburn while this and may have a sensation of a lump or mucus in their throat or a frequent desire of clearing their throat.