An alteration in the intensity, timbre and/or pitch of the voice, whether caused by a functional disorder or by an organic alteration of the larynx, is known as dysphonia. In cases where the voice stops completely, it is called aphonia.
What causes aphonia and dysphonia?
There are three types of causes:
- Functional: these are disorders that alter the functionalities of the larynx, without showing lesions in the exploration.
- Organic: in these cases, the larynx itself or a nearby organ has some kind of alteration. They can be congenital, such as cysts or malformations, or acquired, such as malignant tumors or laryngitis.
- Due to associated or mixed lesions: these problems begin with vocal misuse, organic lesions such as vocal nodules, polyps or Reinke’s edema appear over time.
What are the symptoms?
- Clearing throat
- Pain and fatigue when trying to speak
- Hoarse voice
- Loss of voice at the end of the day.
Teachers, speakers and people who spend many hours a day talking are more susceptible to dysphonia.
How is it diagnosed?
The most commonly used examination technique today is fibrolaryngoscopy. Thanks to this test it is possible to diagnose with exactitude the problem that exists in the vocal cords. If there are any doubts, video stroboscopy can be performed to differentiate between intrachordal lesions and lesions of the vocal fold mucosa.
How is it treated?
Leaving aside malignant lesions, which require special treatment, it is worth mentioning benign lesions and those of acute inflammatory etiology, which are the most frequent in this pathology. To treat acute inflammatory disorders such as laryngitis, treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and vocal rest are usually sufficient. Benign lesions such as polyps, severe edema, cysts or nodules should be surgically removed. Microsurgery of the larynx is surgery of the vocal cords, performed under general anesthesia. In cases of fluctuating dysphonia, incipient or edematous vocal nodules -most frequent cause in children and adults- vocal reeducation or speech therapy is considered.
What vocal hygiene measures are available for prevention?
Do not abuse the voice: it is important not to shout, not to throat clearing, not to force the voice when singing and to rest the voice several hours a day. Do not use your voice properly: avoid speaking with a low and monotonous tone, avoid abrupt and tense starts in the voice, take pauses to breathe, do not be tense.