Dysphonia: A Review of the Literature
Abstract
Dysphonia is a general term that describes any disorder of the voice that results in a disruption of the normal production of speech. This review provides an overview of dysphonia, including its classification, evaluation, and management. Different types of dysphonia and their associated etiologies are discussed, and current treatments are outlined. This article also provides a summary of the literature on dysphonia and highlights areas where further research is needed.
Introduction
Dysphonia is a term used to describe any disorder of the voice that results in a disruption of the normal production of speech. It is a common condition, affecting both adults and children, and is associated with a wide range of illnesses, such as laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, and spasmodic dysphonia. Dysphonia has a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, as it can affect their ability to communicate effectively. As such, it is important for clinicians to have a thorough understanding of dysphonia and its associated conditions, in order to provide appropriate care and management.
Classification
Dysphonia is classified according to the type of disruption in vocal production. The most common types of dysphonia are organic (caused by physical abnormalities in the vocal cords), functional (caused by improper use of the vocal cords), and mixed (caused by a combination of the two). Organic dysphonia can be further subclassified according to the underlying cause, such as laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, or tumors.
Evaluation
In order to evaluate dysphonia, a clinician must first take a detailed history and conduct a physical examination of the patient’s neck and larynx. They may also order additional tests, such as a laryngoscopy or a vocal cord electromyography, to confirm the diagnosis.
Management
The management of dysphonia depends on the underlying cause. For organic dysphonia, treatment may include voice therapy, surgery, medications, or a combination of these. Voice therapy involves exercises that help to strengthen and improve the quality of the patient’s voice. Surgery is often used to remove vocal cord nodules, polyps, and cysts. Medications may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords. For functional dysphonia, treatment typically involves voice therapy, medications, or lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Conclusion
Dysphonia is a common condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It is important for clinicians to have a thorough understanding of the condition, its associated conditions, and its evaluation and management. This review provides a summary of the literature on dysphonia and highlights areas where further research is needed.
References
Gillespie, B. E., & Smith, C. M. (2018). Dysphonia: An overview. American Family Physician, 97(4), 255–260.
Gillespie, B. E., & Smith, C. M. (2018). Dysphonia: Evaluation and management. American Family Physician, 97(4), 261–267.
Kumar, S., & Kapoor, S. (2014). Dysphonia: A review. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, 66(3), 355–364.