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What is Dysphonia?

Published in Medical Conditions 2 mins read

Dysphonia is a medical term for difficulty or changes in the voice. It's not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition that can affect the vocal cords.

What Causes Dysphonia?

Several factors can contribute to dysphonia, including:

  • Vocal Cord Problems:
    • Vocal Cord Paralysis: When the vocal cords cannot move properly, leading to a hoarse or breathy voice.
    • Vocal Cord Nodules: These are small, non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness and pain.
    • Vocal Cord Polyps: Similar to nodules, these are growths that can cause voice changes and difficulty speaking.
  • Infections:
    • Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) can cause hoarseness, pain, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Other Medical Conditions:
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords and cause dysphonia.
    • Thyroid Disorders: Problems with the thyroid gland can affect the voice.
  • Lifestyle Factors:
    • Smoking: Smoking irritates the vocal cords and can lead to hoarseness.
    • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can dehydrate the vocal cords and make them more susceptible to damage.
    • Vocal Abuse: Overuse or misuse of the voice can cause strain and lead to dysphonia.

Symptoms of Dysphonia

The most common symptom of dysphonia is hoarseness. Other symptoms may include:

  • Strained voice
  • Loss of voice
  • Pain when speaking
  • Difficulty speaking
  • A breathy voice
  • A raspy voice
  • A weak voice
  • A voice that sounds different than usual

Diagnosis and Treatment

A doctor can diagnose dysphonia by examining the vocal cords with a laryngoscope. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

  • Voice therapy: Helps improve vocal techniques and reduce strain on the vocal cords.
  • Medications: Antibiotics for infections, acid blockers for GERD, and other medications may be prescribed.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove vocal cord nodules or polyps.

Prevention

To prevent dysphonia, it's important to:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Use your voice properly.
  • See a doctor if you have any concerns about your voice.