How are they treated?

For many voice problems, resting your vocal cords is all that is needed, although this can be difficult for some people. If you have a more serious or chronic voice problem, you may need medicines, surgery, voice therapy, or a combination of these. Treatment frequently succeeds in restoring the voice to normal. But it may take some time for your voice to return to normal, depending on the severity and cause of your voice problem.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

What are the symptoms?

Typically, symptoms that mean you may have a voice problem include:

• A low, raspy, or rough voice.
• Hoarseness that continues for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
• Trouble swallowing or breathing, especially if you also have ear pain.
• Coughing or choking when you swallow.
• Frequent throat clearing or the sensation that you have a lump in your throat.

Source: http://www.webmd.com