Etiopathological study of 100 patients of hoarseness of voice: in a rural based hospital.

Hoarseness of voice is one of the commonest symptoms in otolaryngological practice and it indicates diseases ranging from totally benign condition to the most malignant condition. This is a study to know the etiology, predisposing factor, and clinical profile of patients having hoarseness of voice. The study was carried out in the department of ENT, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram. Patients coming to our OPD were selected. All the patients then underwent detailed history and routine investigations. Stroboscopic evaluation was done to reach to a diagnosis. A total of 100 patients having hoarseness of voice with male to female ratio 1.50:1 were analysed. Age group varied from 12 to 82 years. Largest group comprised of labourer (33 %) followed by house wives (30 %) and vocal paralysis was found in 33 % of the cases. Upper respiratory tract infection (24 %) and smoking (33 %) were found to be the common predisposing factors. Functional disorders were found in 14 % of the cases.