Hoarseness is an important symptom that does require medical evaluation.  Acute onset of hoarseness may be secondary to an upper respiratory infection; vocal strain, such as cheerleading or yelling; and caused by acute laryngitis.  This usually requires voice rest and occasional antiinflammatory medicines as prescribed by a doctor.  Frequently, this will resolve with voice rest and the use of a vaporizer, but any hoarseness that lasts longer than 10 days should be evaluated by a doctor.

Chronic hoarseness is a more serious condition, as hoarseness that does not resolve may be caused by a tumor growing around the vocal cords or on the vocal cords themselves.  It could also be caused by benign nodules, polyps and papillomas.  All people with chronic hoarseness, anything that lasts beyond 10 days, should have an evaluation by a physician to rule out these conditions.