7. Hoarse Voice: The Subtle Warning
A change in voice quality, especially a sudden hoarseness, might be brushed off as the result of shouting, singing, or a cold. However, for someone with angioedema, it can be a subtle sign of swelling beginning in the throat or larynx.
The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords. When angioedema leads to swelling in this region, it can affect the vocal cords’ movement. This change in movement alters the voice’s pitch and quality, leading to the observed hoarseness.
While the voice change might initially seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s essential to treat it as a potential precursor to more severe symptoms, such as complete airway obstruction. It can be the canary in the coal mine, indicating that intervention might be necessary soon.(7)
