Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if the voice change occurs with:
Difficult or noisy breathing
Inability to swallow saliva
Rapid swelling of the tongue, throat, or neck
Facial drooping, one-sided weakness, confusion, or sudden speech difficulty
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice for a sudden voice change after a neck injury, surgery, or placement of a breathing tube, particularly if you also have choking or trouble swallowing.
Sudden voice loss after forceful singing, shouting, or coughing also deserves prompt assessment.
Children should be assessed promptly if a voice change comes with noisy breathing, drooling, difficulty swallowing, or unusual sleepiness.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the change lasts longer than three to four weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with work or daily life.
Arrange an earlier review if you have pain when speaking, a neck lump, coughing blood, ongoing swallowing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, or a weakened immune system.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Voice problems. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.