Larynx and
Voice
Speech and
swallowing problems are seen
commonly. The cause of these
disorders requires a careful history
and physical examination by your
physician.
Hoarseness
is the most common speech disorder
that we see in our practice.
Smoking, vocal abuse, acid reflux,
alcohol use and dehydration all
contribute to hoarseness. Disorders
such as allergic rhinitis and
chronic sinusitis can also worsen
voice quality.
Many times
the cause of speech and swallowing
problems can be determined through a
thorough history and physical
examination process, using indirect
laryngoscopy (a mirror
examination). However, for most
patients, flexible endoscopy and
rigid endoscopy can provide a more
detailed and more comfortable
examination. These procedures are
performed in the office using
topical anesthetics.
Patients that
have tumors or ulcers or other
lesions in the larynx and pharynx
will require
direct
laryngscopy and biopsy
to determine the actual cause of
these disorders.
Laryngeal
stroboscopy
is another technique that we employ
to study the larynx and determine
the disease process.
