The voice is one of the instruments that mankind possesses. Singers, teachers, commercials, telemarketers… many jobs are based on the voice. To take care of it, it is advisable to follow a series of advices which will allow to avoid aphonia and dysphonia.
Aphonia and dysphonia
Aphonia as such, according to the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language, is the lack of voice. Dysphonia is the qualitative or quantitative disorder of phonation, whether due to organic or functional causes.
Therefore, it can be said that dysphonia is what is commonly known as hoarseness, while aphonia is the total loss of voice.
Aphonia and dysphonia: symptoms
Symptoms of aphonia
- Inability to speak
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Spasm of the vocal cords
- Difficulty swallowing, both food and liquids
Symptoms of dysphonia
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath when speaking
- Cough
- Need to throat clear in order to speak clearly
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Slight sore throat
Thus, any voice problem that persists over time for more than twenty days should be evaluated by a specialist in Otolaryngology.
These are benign voice disorders, which do not require surgery and do not entail great difficulties.
Aphonia and dysphonia: treatment
To treat dysphonia and aphonia it is necessary to follow a series of guidelines:
- Rest the voice and let the vocal cords rest.
- Do not smoke
- Keep the throat well hydrated
- Use cold steam with the help of humidifiers.
- Take painkillers as recommended by your doctor.
Prevention of aphonia and dysphonia
Aphonia and dysphonia can be prevented or avoided if the following recommendations are followed:
- Do not smoke
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
- Limit exposure to toxic fumes
- Do not shout
- Avoid whispering
- Avoid dry air generated by heaters.
- Treat colds appropriately
- See a vocal cord specialist if you use your voice too much during working hours.
- If your doctor thinks it is appropriate, follow a treatment to prevent voice loss.