Excellence In Voice Care
We've all experienced some hoarseness and a crackly voice after attending an exciting concert, sporting event, or while sick with a cold or laryngitis. Exposure to ammonia, bleach or other irritants in the air can cause some short-lived hoarseness and throat irritation, as well. However, when the problem continues past these events, it can become a serious annoyance and concern that something more than irritation is going on.
We have facilities located in Atlanta and Alpharetta. If you are looking for an expert Alpharetta ENT team contact us today.
Vocal issues can be even more concerning if your livelihood depends on the use and quality of your voice. If you use your voice in a professional setting, you may be more at risk for voice disorders. Unfortunately, professional speakers, singers and others who talk for hours at a time can unknowingly strain and exhaust their vocal cords, which over time, can lead to problems including nodules, polyps, and lesions on the vocal cords. At Atlanta Institute for ENT, we provide exceptional, specialized care for professional voice disorders.
Common symptoms of voice disorders include the following:
- Hoarseness
- Breathiness
- Shooting pain from ear to ear
- A "lump-in-your-throat" sensation
- Neck pain
- Decreased pitch range
- Voice fatigue
- Body fatigue
Some of the most common voice conditions that affect professional voice users are vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord polyps or nodes, and paradoxical vocal fold movement.
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both of your vocal cords are unable to move. Speaking naturally becomes difficult when the vocal cords don't function properly. Breathing and swallowing problems can also develop. If only one of your two vocal cords is paralyzed, you may still be able to speak but have difficulty speaking clearly or loudly because the paralyzed vocal cord can't vibrate against the other. If both of your vocal cords are paralyzed, you will not be able to vocalize. This may require a tracheotomy, a procedure that is used to restore a person's voice and protect your airway when you eat.
Vocal Cord Polyps and Nodules
Vocal cord nodules, sometimes referred to as nodes, are non-cancerous growths that develop on both vocal cords. They are caused when soft, swollen spots develop on each vocal cord due to vocal abuse or overuse. These spots then become harder, callous-like growths called nodules. Vocal cord polyps develop very similarly to vocal cord nodules but differ in that they occur on only one vocal cord. Both vocal cord nodules and polpys can become larger and stiffer, resulting in hoarseness, breathiness, voice fatigue and decreased pitch range. Vocal cord nodules and polyps have been known to end careers for singers, entertainers and others who use their voice professionally.
Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement
Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) occurs when your vocal folds, or vocal cords, function normally most of the time but randomly close when they should open. Signs and symptoms of PVFM can easily be mistaken for asthma because it can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing. If serious, it can also require hospitalization.
If you believe you may be experiencing any of the above vocal conditions, consider reaching out to an ear, nose and throat specialist for diagnosis and relief. Call us today at 404.257.1589 (Atlanta) or 770.777.1100 (Alpharetta), or book an appointment with us online now.
