Hello,
I have had reoccurring laryngitis for approximately 3 years now. Because most episodes lasted for just several days and I had no pain or other symptoms, I didn't see a doctor until October of '95 (after having laryngitis for almost 6 weeks straight). At that time, a tube was inserted through my nose and my vocal chords were checked for polyps or tumors (I presume). The doctor prescribed Guaifenex PSE 60, Beclovent 42 MCG, and Beconase AQ. As I was leaving her office, I mentioned that I was still able to sing and yell without any trouble. The following day, before using any of the medication, my voice returned to normal and I was trouble-free for many months. (I didn't use the medication, nor did I see any need to reurn to the doctor).
The laryngitis returned off and on several times since then. It comes and goes for no apparent reason, irregardless of weather or temperature. (I've ruled out the heating system as it's occured when we aren't using any artificial heating or cooling). I have not returned to that particular doctor because, even though she came highly recommended through Dr. J. G., she seemed almost at a loss to explain my case. Also, it's hard to make an appointment when I never know from one day to the next whether or not I'll have a voice that day. Now I'm wondering what my next step should be. i hate to bother a doctor (if not necessary), but I'm wondering whether this can cause any permanent damage to my vocal chords. Also, these days it seems to come on more suddenly AND I'm experiencing a feeling as of late that my air passage seems to be constricting too.
What would you recommend my course of action to be? I live in central
Virginia almost equa-distant between Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Charlottesville and could go to any of those three cities for help.
Thank you.
Reply: -----------------------
There are a number of possible causes for this type of voice problem. These could include allergy, gastroesophageal reflux, subtle vocal cord lesions not easily visible even with endoscopy, hormonal conditions such as thyroid disorders, etc.
Effective management of chronic voice symptoms such as those you describe may require more than a single visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Allergy evaluation and blood tests to rule out metabolic or hormonal disorders may be required. A special form of endoscopy known as laryngeal videostroboscopy is usually performed in this type of situation. Additionally I do this procedure with a speech therapist in attendance who performs a general voice analysis at the same setting. Videostroboscopy involves using a small telescope attached to a TV camera and special strobe light source which allows a detailed analysis of vocal cord movement. One can usually identify subtle vocal cord problems such as vocal nodules or irregularities in the vocal cord lining with this technique. Additionally, one can observe subtle vocal behaviors which may potentiate, cause, or aggravate voice disorders.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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