Voice Disorders Symptoms & Treatment

Voice Disorders

Voice disorders refer to a broad range of conditions affecting an individual's ability to produce sound, including their vocal cords and throat. These disorders may manifest in various ways, such as hoarseness, laryngitis, vocal nodules, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Vocal fold paralysis, or paresis, occurs when one or both vocal folds are immobile. This condition is caused by trauma, surgery, or any disease that results in weakness in one or both vocal folds.

Other causes of voice disorders are contact ulcers, Muscle tension dysphonia, Spasmodic Dysphonia (using trachea), Laryngeal cancer, laryngectomy, shortness of breath, and overuse or misuse of vocal folds (such as screaming, shouting, and speaking loudly).

Hoarseness is a rough or raspy voice caused by vocal cord inflammation or misuse. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box that can lead to a temporary loss of voice.
Vocal nodules, on the other hand, are small growths on the vocal cords formed by vocal misuse or abuse.
Lastly, spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder causing involuntary muscle spasms in the voice box.

Causes and Risk Factors

Various factors, including vocal abuse, acid reflux, smoking, and medical conditions, can cause voice disorders.

Vocal abuse, such as yelling, screaming, or speaking loudly for extended periods, can strain the vocal cords.
Acid reflux irritates the throat and vocal cords, causing hoarseness.
Smoking tobacco can damage the vocal cords and increase the risk of developing voice disorders.
Medical conditions like allergies, thyroid problems, and neurological disorders can also affect vocal function.

Common symptoms of voice disorders may include:

Hoarse voice
Weakened voice
Discomfort with speaking
Chronic sore throat
Chronic cough
A sensation of something in the throat
Vocal fatigue
Pitch breaks
Loss of singing range/quality
Difficulty with breath control/shortness of breath during speech, singing, or exercise