- There are many conditions and diseases capable of impairing a person’s voice.
- Some of these voice-related health issues are easily treatable while others require extensive care.
- In this blog, the specialists at AOC educate readers about conditions that can affect your voice.
Relatively speaking, it’s normal to have a hoarse voice during cold, winter months when flu-like maladies are particularly prevalent. However, if you begin to notice a change in your voice or you become hoarse frequently, there may be an underlying condition causing these health issues. At AOC, we understand your voice is a powerful, often necessary tool that helps you communicate with others, which is why we may recommend speech therapy, treatment, or minimally invasive surgery to restore its grandeur.
If you’re experiencing hoarseness, voice fatigue, pain or soreness in the throat with prolonged talking, shortness of breath while speaking, reduced voice volume, or the need to frequently clear the throat, you may want to see an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) at AOC. Our team will administer a thorough examination to determine an accurate diagnosis. This typically includes a comprehensive evaluation of the head and neck, as well as the larynx.
Once your health concern has been diagnosed, an AOC physician will suggest treatment. Some of the most common conditions that affect the voice include:
Acute or Chronic Laryngitis: laryngitis is one of the most common causes of voice loss or hoarseness, and acute laryngitis typically resolves after a few days. Laryngitis, in general, is usually caused by a viral infection that leads to inflamed vocal cords. Rest, reducing voice use, and staying hydrated are considered remedies for this condition. If your laryngitis is chronic, an AOC physician may look into possible underlying conditions/contributing factors before recommending treatment.
Benign Vocal Cord Lesions: voice misuse or overuse can often lead to noncancerous growths on the vocal cords, which can then lead to hoarseness and pain or soreness in the throat. Fortunately, these lesions are highly treatable. Voice therapy may accompany any procedure that is done to remove these vocal cord nodules.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD): the reflux of stomach acid can cause voice issues, swallowing problems, and pain and irritation in the throat. Your ENT doctor may coordinate care with a gastroenterologist to determine an effective treatment regimen and special dietary restrictions to reduce symptoms.
Laryngeal Cancer: throat cancer is a serious voice condition that typically requires a number of treatment techniques such as surgery and chemotherapy. Frequent hoarseness and changes in voice should be evaluated immediately to rule of the possibility of throat cancer.
Call AOC today to schedule an appointment with one of our ENT physicians! We will work with you to determine the cause of your voice disorder and recommend the best possible treatment.
Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants (AOC) is a comprehensive ENT clinic that provides care for all diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses. The physicians at AOC have the highest level of training and expertise in ENT care and ENT subspecialty care, which includes the management of pediatric airway, cancer, skull base surgery, advanced head and neck surgical and reconstructive procedures, craniofacial surgery and more. Call 602-264-4834 to request an appointment today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.