Some of the common disorders treated at the Voice Center include:
- Nodules, cysts, and polyps
- Chronic or acute laryngitis
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux
- Muscle tension dysphonia
- Hoarseness
- Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement
- Chronic cough or throat clearing
- Polypoid corditis (Reinke’s edema)
- Spasmodic Dysphonia
- Vocal fold paralysis
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty)
- Laryngeal cancer
Chronic or acute laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice-box resulting in hoarseness and throat discomfort during talking or swallowing.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) - is a variant of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in which the base of the throat is irritated by escaping stomach secretions. Symptoms include excessive throat clearing/congestion, a sensation of a lump in the throat, throat tickle, swallowing difficulty or hoarseness. LPR frequently occurs without GERD-related heartburn or stomach upset.
Muscle tension dysphonia is a hoarseness that is caused by overactive laryngeal musculature. It is treated with voice therapy.
Hoarseness is an irregular change in voice quality. When hoarse, the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained or demonstrates changes in volume or pitch. Persistent or chronic hoarseness may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition, particularly in smokers.
Vocal cord dysfunction/paradoxical vocal fold movement - is a breathing disorder characterized by inspiratory, throat-based airflow constriction. It may be misdiagnosed as asthma (or occur with asthma), and is effectively treated with therapy.
Chronic cough and throat clearing are most often caused by infections or the body’s desire to rid itself of an irritant such as smoke, reflux or post-nasal drainage. Thick mucus, ACE-inhibitors and inhaled corticosteroids may also promote a hacking cough.
Polypoid corditis is typically associated with long term smoking in women and is characterized by a lowered speaking pitch.
Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD) - is a nervous system disorder that causes spasms of the vocal folds. This commonly results in tight or strained voicing. There is no cure for SD, however regular injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) have proven effective in vocal smoothing. The Voice Center at Ohio ENT runs a specialized clinic for SD patients.
Vocal fold paralysis is typically a laryngeal nerve impairment that causes hoarseness, vocal breathiness, loss of vocal intensity, excessive vocal fatigue, loss of pitch range or swallowing difficulty.
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is characterized by impaired food transit in the mouth, throat or esophagus due to tissue blockage, throat dryness or neuropathy.
Laryngeal cancer is typically found in long term smokers and drinkers. This disease has serious repercussions on the voice, breathing and swallowing. Post-laryngectomy care is offered to patient’s whose voice-box has been removed due to cancer. New-age voice prostheses allow patients to speak with an alternate sound source.
