The term dysphonia in gereral sense references to all alterations, qualitative or quantitative, charged on the term.
Dysphonia may be temporary or chronic and have structural or functional origin. Organic causes for dysphonia are: inflammation of the larynx, birth defects, the presence of a tumor formation or alteration of one or more organs related to the post phonation (vocal chords, nose, mouth, tongue, pharynx, larynx, trachea) and trauma. The functional causes are: overuse of the voice and dysphonia idiopathic (without apparent cause).
Dysphonia may be accompanied by a pain sensation or discomfort while speaking.
What kind of diseases can be associated with dysphonia?
Diseases that can be associated with dysphonia are the following:
- Botulism
- Cyst
- Goiter
- Laryngitis
- Nodules
- Polyps
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tetanus
- Cancers of the larynx
- Cancers of other organs related to the post phonation
- Trauma
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for dysphonia?
In case of dysphonia, in order to resolve the condition, it is important to find out the cause that is the basis of the condition. In general, to encourage a quicker recovery from dysphonia, help can come from the elimination of smoking behavious and alcohol consumption. Also good hydration and absence of speech for at least two or three days (not speaking or whispering) are recommended.
The treatment of dysphonia varies depending on the underlying disease. There are three approaches that can be used (only after consultation and under medical monitoring):
- using medicines (anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anti-acid, etc.) depending on the underlying cause.
- speech therapy, learning how to make a better use of the voice and prevent abuse
- surgery to remove any formation (tumors, polyps, nodules, cysts) responsible for dysphonia
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of dysphonia?
In case of trauma and in the presence of one of the pathologies associated (see list of associated pathologies).
