![]() Laryngoscopy may be suggested by the otolaryngologist at any time during an evaluation for hoarseness, but if it persists beyond three weeks it should be evaluated and that evaluation should occur within a maximum of 3 months. This includes examination of the vocal folds by laryngoscopy. They will then evaluate the voice and do a complete ear, nose, and throat exam. Otolaryngologists will obtain a thorough history of a patient’s hoarseness and general health. Vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts are typically treated with a combination of microsurgery and voice therapy. These professionals are otolaryngologists, speech/language pathologists, and teachers of singing, acting, and public speaking. Problems with the voice are often best managed by a team of professionals who know and understand how the voice functions. Hoarseness caused by a cold or flu may be evaluated by family physicians, pediatricians, and internists who have learned how to examine the larynx. Very serious conditions such as laryngeal cancer can also cause hoarseness, which is why it is important to have chronic hoarseness evaluated promptly by an otolaryngologist HOW IS HOARSENESS TREATED? Other Causes: These include allergies, thyroid problems, trauma to the voice box, and, occasionally, menstruation. ![]() If the hoarseness persists for more than three months and other causes have been ruled out, a neurologist may be helpful for diagnosis. A paralyzed vocal fold may be the cause of a weak, breathy voice. Neurological Diseases or Disorders: Hoarseness can also appear in those who have neurological diseases such as Parkinsons or a stroke, or may be a symptom of spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological disorder that usually affects only the voice, but sometimes affects breathing. Because smoking is the major cause of throat cancer, if smokers become hoarse, they should see an otolaryngologist. Smoking: Smoking is another cause of hoarseness. Many patients with LPRD do not have hearburn or other classic symptoms of GERD. The structures in the throat (pharynx, larynx, and lungs) are much more sensitive to stomach acid and digestive enzymes, so smaller amounts of the reflux into this area can result in more damage. ![]() Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPRD): If the reflux makes it all the way up through the upper sphincter and into the back of the throat, it is called LPRD rather than GERD. These people may have a sensation of a lump or mucus in their throat and have an excessive desire to clear it. Usually, the voice is worse in the morning and improves during the day. Other typical symptoms of GERD include heartburn and regurgitation. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD):A possible cause of hoarseness is gastro-esophageal reflux, when stomach acid comes up the swallowing tube (esophagus) and irritates the vocal folds. It is considered a vocal emergency and should be treated with absolute voice rest and examination by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). Vocal fold hemorrhage occurs when one of the blood vessels on the surface of the vocal folds ruptures and the soft tissues fill with blood. Vocal Hemorrhage: If you experience a sudden loss of voice following a yell or other strenuous vocal use, you may have developed a vocal fold hemorrhage. Vocal fold polyps and cysts also occur in those who misuse their voice, but can also occur in those who do not. Vocal nodules (singers’ nodes) are callus-like growths of the vocal folds. These habits can lead to nodules, polyps, and cysts. Not using amplification when public speakingīenign Vocal Cord Lesions: Prolonged hoarseness can occur when you use your voice too much, or too loudly for extended periods of time.Using inappropriate pitch (too high or too low) when speaking.Telephone use with the handset cradled to the shoulder.Serious injury to the vocal folds can result from strenuous voice use during an episode of acute laryngitis. ![]() WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HOARSENESS?Īcute Laryngitis: The most common cause is acute laryngitisswelling of the vocal folds that occurs during a common cold, upper respiratory tract viral infection, or from voice strain. Swelling or lumps on the vocal folds hinder vibration, altering voice quality, volume, and pitch. When speaking or singing, they come together and, as air leaves the lungs, they vibrate, producing sound. While breathing, the vocal folds remain apart. Voice changes are related to disorders in the sound-producing parts (vocal folds) of the voice box (larynx). When hoarse, the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or show changes in volume or pitch (depending on how high or low the voice is). Abnormal changes in the voice are called hoarseness.
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