Dysphonia

Dysphonia is a medical condition characterized by abnormal voice changes. It is often associated with hoarseness, voice strain, or a change in pitch or volume. Dysphonia can be caused by a variety of factors, including vocal cord damage, neurological disorders, and certain medications.

Causes

Dysphonia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Vocal cord nodules and polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can cause a raspy or breathy voice.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis can cause dysphonia.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including some used to treat Parkinson's disease, can cause voice changes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dysphonia can vary depending on the cause, but may include:

• Hoarseness
• Voice strain
• Changes in pitch or volume
• A raspy or breathy voice
• Difficulty speaking

Diagnosis

Dysphonia is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also order tests such as a laryngoscopy or stroboscopy to examine the vocal cords.

Treatment

Treatment for dysphonia depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Voice therapy: This involves working with a speech-language pathologist to improve voice quality.
• Medication: If dysphonia is caused by a medical condition, treating that condition may help improve voice quality.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove nodules or polyps from the vocal cords.

See also

• Voice disorders
• Laryngitis
• Vocal cord paralysis

Dysphonia Resources
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