Common Medical Diagnoses and Treatments for Patients Voice

Robert T. Sataloff, Mary J. Hawkshaw
From: Performing Arts Medicine, 3rd ed.: Chapter 8 © 2010; page: 133

Abstract: Numerous medical conditions affect the voice adversely, many having their origins primarily outside the head and neck. This chapter concentrates the more common and important benign conditions found in professional voice users and outlines their current nonsurgical management. Topics include vocal abuse and misuse, infections and inflammatory disorders of the upper respiratory tract, (including sinusitis, allergy, tonsillitis, and laryngitis with or without serious vocal fold injury), and lower respiratory tract disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Systemic conditions that affect the voice include aging, hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux, select neurological disorders, vocal fold hypermobility, and endocrine function (including oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, and menopause). Psychogenic factors, including anxiety, are covered briefly. Structural disorders affecting the vocal tract and their surgical management are discussed. These typically are nodules, submucosal cysts, polyps, hemorrhage, and cancer, but less commonly can involve granulomas, Reinke's edema, sulcus vocalis, scar, papillomas, and other unusual masses. The roles are explored for members of the voice team, including the otolaryngologist, speech-language pathologist, and singing (or acting) voice specialist.

Last Updated: 5 / 2010

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