Vocal Problems

Laryngitis & Vocal Growths

We may take our ability to speak for granted - until a problem develops. Basically, our voices are produced by vibration of the vocal folds, located in the larynx or voice box. When there's a problem with the vocal folds, we develop a problem with our voices. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the most common vocal disorders are laryngitis and vocal polyps or nodules.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation or swelling of the vocal folds. NIDCD says there are a number of potential causes including:

• excessive use of the voice
• bacterial or viral infections (Read about "Microorganisms" "Sore Throat & Strep Throat" "The Common Cold")
• by irritants such as inhaled chemicals
• a backup of stomach acid into the throat (Read about "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease")

If you have laryngitis, your voice sounds raspy, breathy and hoarse.

Vocal polyps and nodules

Vocal polyps and nodules are small, benign or noncancerous growths on the vocal cords. Vocal nodules are a common problem among people who use their voices professionally, such as singers. In fact, NIDCD says vocal nodules are often called "singer's nodes" because this is a frequent problem among professional singers. Vocal polyps are also benign growths on the vocal cords. Polyps are more common among smokers, people with gastroesophageal reflux and people with hypothyroidism. (Read about "Quit Smoking" "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease" "Thyroid") Both nodules and polyps can result in a voice that sounds hoarse, low-pitched and slightly breathy.

Get it checked

Some vocal problems will go away on their own. But hoarseness can be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as cancer. (Read about "Head and Neck Cancers") An otolaryngologist is the kind of doctor who specializes in this area. The American Academy of Otolaryngologists says you should seek medical help if:

• hoarseness lasts longer than 2-3 weeks
• hoarseness is associated with pain, coughing up blood, difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck
• if there's a severe change in voice lasting longer than a few days

Depending on the cause of the condition, medical treatment could be necessary to correct the underlying problem. If underlying medical conditions are ruled out, a vocal therapist or speech-language pathologist can provide training to help reduce vocal irritation.

Related Information:

    The Common Cold

    Allergies

    Quit Smoking

    Head and Neck Cancers