List of voice disorders

List of Voice Disorders

Voice disorders affect the pitch, loudness, or quality of the voice, leading to difficulties in communication. These disorders can result from a variety of causes, including vocal abuse or misuse, infection, and neurological conditions. This article provides an overview of common voice disorders, their symptoms, and potential treatments.

Types of Voice Disorders

Vocal Fold Nodules

Vocal fold nodules are benign (noncancerous) growths on both vocal cords that are often the result of vocal abuse. Symptoms include a hoarse, breathy voice, and vocal fatigue. Treatment often involves voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist.

Vocal Fold Polyps

Vocal fold polyps are another type of benign lesion that can occur on one or both vocal cords. Unlike nodules, polyps can develop suddenly, often after a single episode of vocal abuse. Symptoms and treatment are similar to those for nodules.

Vocal Fold Cysts

Vocal fold cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form within the vocal cord tissue. They can cause a hoarse voice and vocal fatigue. Treatment typically involves surgical removal, followed by voice therapy.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, often caused by infection or overuse of the voice. Symptoms include hoarseness, loss of voice, and throat pain. Treatment focuses on resting the voice and addressing the underlying cause.

Vocal Fold Paralysis

Vocal fold paralysis occurs when one or both vocal folds cannot move. It can result from injury, surgery, or disease affecting the nerves of the larynx. Symptoms include breathy voice, swallowing difficulties, and aspiration. Treatment may involve surgery or voice therapy.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary spasms of the vocal cords, leading to voice breaks and a tight, strained voice. Treatment often involves injections of botulinum toxin to reduce muscle spasms, along with voice therapy.

Reinke's Edema

Reinke's edema involves swelling of the vocal cords due to fluid accumulation. It is often associated with smoking and chronic vocal abuse. Symptoms include a deep, hoarse voice. Treatment focuses on eliminating contributing factors, such as smoking cessation, and may include surgery.

Papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a rare condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to the growth of papillomas (warts) on the vocal cords and other areas of the respiratory tract. Treatment often involves repeated surgeries to remove the growths.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of voice disorders typically involves a thorough history, voice evaluation, and examination of the vocal cords using laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy. Treatment varies depending on the specific disorder and may include voice therapy, medical treatment, and surgery.

Prevention

Preventive measures for voice disorders include proper vocal hygiene, avoiding vocal abuse, and maintaining overall health. Regular hydration and avoiding smoking are also important.