What causes hoarseness and difficulty swallowing?

Hoarseness of the voice can be uncomfortable and concerning to many people. Because this is a symptom and not an illness by itself, hoarseness is an important clue to a broader health condition. Our ENT doctor Los Angeles can help diagnose the problem before it becomes worse.

What Is A Hoarse Voice?

Hoarseness refers to abnormal changes in the voice. A hoarse voice can sound raspy and it may be difficult to speak. The pitch or volume of a voice can also be distorted when hoarseness occurs. Many times this is a result of a disorder in the vocal folds.

A hoarse throat can feel scratchy or painful when speaking. One of the scariest problems that can occur with hoarseness is difficulty when trying to swallow. When vocal folds experience excessive tension, hoarseness is likely to occur.

Voice and Speech Therapy Los Angeles

If you are wondering why patients choose voice and speech therapy Los Angeles, hoarseness is a common cause. This specific form of therapy has been shown to be effective for both children and adults. It is used to treat vocal fold lesions, polyps and cysts.

Voice therapy can reduce hoarseness by gradually changing vocal behavior. Through lifestyle changes, this kind of therapy is tasked-based with the goal of eliminating negative vocal behaviors. Many people use vocal therapy for the duration of several weeks.

Tracheostomy Treatment Los Angeles

Another form of treatment consists of what is known as a tracheostomy. For tracheostomy treatment Los Angeles, an opening of the neck is created so that a small tube can be placed through the windpipe. This medical treatment is performed by a medical professional with trained experience involving the head and neck.

For hoarseness that causes breathing problems, this type of procedure is frequently used. When an airway narrows, it can be caused by a subglottic stenosis. By opening the airway to allow maximum airflow, a tracheostomy treatment can impact the quality of breath for a patient.

Vocal Cord Surgery Los Angeles

For hoarseness that cannot be treated with vocal therapy, vocal cord surgery can help. Vocal cord surgery Los Angeles is a common treatment option that involves laryngeal surgery. This procedure is usually done in a hospital setting with skilled physicians that specialize in throat disorders.

Vocal cord surgery is performed on the voice box with general anesthesia. It can remove vocal cord lesions including cysts. Hoarseness that stems from these conditions can be cured by electing for this type of treatment.

Head and Neck Doctors Los Angeles

A variety of conditions can cause hoarseness. Laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, vocal nodules and even neurological diseases can create voice discomfort and alterations in the voice. To better understand which type of treatment is appropriate, a proper diagnosis is essential. Head and neck doctors in Los Angeles can help treat hoarseness once the underlying reason is discovered. Hoarseness can be uncomfortable and is ultimately a sign of larger condition. Finding the right treatment in a timely manner is recommended for those who experience on-going vocal discomfort.