When a person has a cold, it often affects their respiratory system and the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two folds of tissue located in the larynx (voice box) that vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them. When a person has a cold, the vocal cords may become swollen and inflamed due to the infection or the body's immune response to the virus.
The hoarseness you hear in a person's voice after having a cold is a result of this inflammation and swelling. As a result, the vocal cords may not be able to vibrate as freely and smoothly as they usually do, leading to a raspy or hoarse voice.
As the cold begins to resolve and the body fights off the infection, the inflammation in the vocal cords starts to reduce. As a result, the vocal cords can gradually return to their normal state, and the hoarseness in the voice tends to improve.
Additionally, when a person speaks after having a cold, their vocal cords get exercised, and the act of talking helps to lubricate the vocal cords and promote blood flow to the area. This can further aid in reducing the inflammation and promoting the healing process.
However, it's important to note that in some cases, a cold can lead to complications like laryngitis, which is inflammation of the vocal cords specifically, causing prolonged hoarseness. If hoarseness persists for an extended period or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's best to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying issues.