subject: Understanding Voice Complications And Voice Disorders [print this page] At some point in our lives we have all experienced some sort of problem with our voices. There might be times when your voice is hoarse, or times when sound does not come out at all. Colds, allergies, bronchitis, exposure to irritants such as ammonia, or cheering for your favorite sports team can all result in the loss of your voice. Even though many sources for the loss of your voice can be common, it is important to understand the different types of voice disorders to better educate yourself.
Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps
Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on both vocal cords that are caused by vocal abuse. Over time, repeated abuse of the vocal cords results in soft, swollen spots on each vocal cord. These spots tend to develop into harder, callous-like growths called nodules, which will become larger and stiffer the longer the vocal abuse continues.
On the other hand, polyps can take a variety of forms, which are sometimes caused by vocal abuse. Polyps appear on either one or both of the vocal cords and appear as a swelling or bump, a stalk-like growth, or a blister-like lesion. Most polyps are larger than nodules and may be called polypoid degeneration or Reinke's edema. Nodules and polyps cause similar symptoms, including:
*Hoarseness
*Breathiness
*A rough voice
*A scratchy voice
*Harshness
*Shooting pain from ear to ear
*Voice and body fatigue
*Neck pain
Vocal Cord Paralysis
We all have two vocal cords in our larynx. Our vocal cords vibrate during speech to produce our voice, but if one or both are unable to move then you will experience voice complications and possibly breathing and swallowing problems. When this happens, you have vocal cord paralysis. If you have vocal cord paralysis, then you could have either bilateral vocal cord paralysis or unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis involves both of your vocal cords becoming stuck halfway between open and closed, while not moving in either way. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis often requires a tracheotomy to protect the airway when you eat.
Unilateral vocal cord paralysis is when only one side of your vocal cord is paralyzed in the paramedian position or has a very limited movement, which is more common than bilateral movement. The paralyzed vocal cord does not move to vibrate with the other cord, but it vibrates abnormally or does not vibrate at all. When this occurs, you can run out of air easily, causing you to be unable to speak clearly or loudly.
Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)
Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) is a voice disorder in which the vocal folds behave in a normal fashion almost all of the time. When an episode occurs, however, the vocal cords close when they should open, such as when breathing. This can often be mistaken as asthma since it leads to wheezing and difficulty breathing, sometimes to the point of hospitalization.
Diagnosis can be difficult as symptoms vary immensely between people and episodes are never predictable. Your team of medical professionals will evaluate your medical history, including medications and smoking history. Your doctor will also complete a laryngeal evaluation using endoscopy, in addition to a voice evaluation, which also aids in diagnosing this voice disorder.
PVFM can be treated both medically and behaviorally. Medical intervention addresses any physical and/or psychological factors, while behavioral intervention includes vocal exercises, relaxation techniques, and proper breath support for speech. The goal of intervention is to make you aware of what triggers PVFM so that you can avoid these situations.
Visit your ENT in Westport and Norwalk for further diagnosis of your voice condition or disorder.
