Disorders related to voice can be caused by a variety of factors, including vocal misuse, infection, inflammation, trauma, neurological disorders, and even psychological factors. The symptoms of these disorders can also vary widely, including hoarseness, pitch breaks, difficulty speaking or singing, vocal fatigue, and pain or discomfort when speaking or singing. Because of this diversity, it is important to understand the symptoms of different voice disorders in order to differentiate and diagnose the underlying condition. Seeing an ENT specialist is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of vocal disorders.
ENT specialists have the expertise to identify the cause of the disorder and provide appropriate treatments, which may include vocal exercises, medication, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve vocal quality and overall quality of life for those with voice disorders.
Vocal nodules and polyps
Vocal nodules and polyps are noncancerous growths that develop on the vocal cords, which can cause hoarseness, roughness, and breathiness in the voice. Here are some symptoms, causes, and treatments for vocal nodules and polyps:
Symptoms:
- Hoarseness or roughness in the voice
- A breathy or weak voice
- A scratchy or raspy voice
- A loss of vocal range or control
- Vocal fatigue or strain after speaking or singing for prolonged periods
- Throat pain or discomfort
Causes:
- Overuse or misuse of the voice, such as excessive talking, yelling or singing
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Acid reflux or other conditions that cause stomach acid to back up into the throat
- Allergies, respiratory infections, or other irritants that cause inflammation of the vocal cords
- Aging or hormonal changes
Treatment:
- Voice rest: Avoiding excessive talking, singing, or shouting can help reduce strain on the vocal cords and allow them to heal.
- Speech therapy: Working with a speech therapist can help improve vocal technique and reduce strain on the vocal cords.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to reduce inflammation or treat underlying conditions that are causing the vocal nodules or polyps.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the nodules or polyps may be necessary, particularly if they are large or cause significant voice impairment. Surgery is usually only recommended if conservative treatments have been unsuccessful.
Vocal cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis is a condition in which one or both vocal cords are unable to move properly, resulting in hoarseness or a weak voice. Here are some symptoms, causes, and treatments for vocal cord paralysis:
Symptoms:
- Hoarseness or breathiness in the voice
- Weakness or loss of voice
- Inability to speak loudly or shout
- Choking or coughing when eating or drinking
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Noisy breathing or stridor
Causes:
- Neurological disorders or injuries that affect the nerves that control the vocal cords, such as stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson’s disease
- Trauma to the neck or chest, such as from surgery or a car accident
- Viral infections or other illnesses that affect the nerves or muscles in the throat
- Cancer or tumors in the neck or chest that affect the nerves or vocal cords
- Idiopathic causes, meaning the cause is unknown
Treatment:
- Speech therapy: Working with a speech therapist can help improve vocal technique and reduce strain on the vocal cords.
- Voice therapy: Exercises to improve the strength and control of the vocal cords, as well as breathing exercises, can help improve voice quality and reduce the risk of aspiration or choking.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as to repair or reposition a paralyzed vocal cord, or to insert a voice prosthesis to improve voice quality.
- Nerve stimulation: Electrical stimulation of the nerves that control the vocal cords may help improve voice quality and control.
Spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a type of disorder recognized by involuntary spasms of the muscles in the throat, leading to a strained or strangled-sounding voice.
Symptoms:
- Pressured, strangled, or jerky-sounding voice
- Recurrent pauses and breaking voice
- Low vocal range and control
- Problem speaking in specific situations, such as on the phone or in public
Causes:
The proper cause of spasmodic dysphonia is not known, but it is speculated to be inclined to a problem with the basal ganglia in the brain that controls muscle movement.
Risk factors involve a family history of the disorder, certain medications or medical conditions that affect the nervous system, and exposure to certain environmental toxins.
Treatment:
- Botox injections: Botox injecting is introduced into the muscles in the throat to briefly paralyze them, reducing the spasms and improving voice quality. The effects of Botox injections usually last for 3-4 months.
- Speech therapy
- Medications: some suitable medications, such as anticholinergics or muscle relaxants, may be used to reduce muscle spasms and improve voice quality.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures, such as repositioning the vocal cords or implanting a voice prosthesis to improve voice quality, might prove to be effective.
GERD-related laryngitis
GERD-related laryngitis, also known as reflux laryngitis, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the throat, causing inflammation and irritation of the larynx. Here are some symptoms, causes, and treatments for GERD-related laryngitis:
Symptoms
- Hoarseness or loss of voice
- Sore throat or throat clearing
- Chronic cough
- The feeling of a lump in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food sticking in the throat
- Post-nasal drip or a runny nose
Causes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and throat
- Poor eating habits, such as overeating, eating before bedtime or consuming acidic or spicy foods and beverages
- Obesity or being overweight, which puts pressure on the stomach and increases the risk of reflux
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, can irritate the larynx and worsen symptoms
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to diet and eating habits, such as avoiding trigger foods and beverages, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and avoiding eating before bedtime, can help reduce the risk of reflux and improve symptoms.
- Medications: Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and prevent reflux. H2 blockers may also be used to reduce acid production.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus and throat.
Conclusion
Finding the right treatment for a specific disorder can be challenging. Each disorder requires a different approach and treatment plan, and there may be trial and error involved in finding the right approach. It is important to seek the expertise of an ENT specialist to identify the underlying condition and provide the most effective treatment. ENT specialist is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of vocal disorders. ENT specialists have the expertise to identify the cause of the disorder and provide appropriate treatments, which may include vocal exercises, medication, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve vocal quality and overall quality of life for those with voice disorders.
To get more information on the disorders voice contact ACE ENT Clinic.