Laryngology

Treatment of diseases of the throat including the voice and swallowing problems.

Voice Disorders

Patients frequently seek medical care for hoarseness. This is commonly caused by straining the voice, upper airway infection and acid reflux, but it may represent a more serious problem. A thorough history and comprehensive physical exam will allow the physicians at Otosurgical to determine the likely cause of the disorder. The physical exam may include a video fiber optic exam of the throat, allowing the patient and doctor to view the voice box on a screen. Irregularities in shape or movement will be evaluated and an individualized treatment plan will be presented to the patient. When the vocal cords do not move normally, the physician must determine the cause. Often additional tests are required including a CT scan or even a consultation with a speech and language specialist. Irregularities in the voice box may be found during the physical exam. Often, the cause for these findings can be determined simply by appearance. Other times, a biopsy is needed. The physician will discuss treatment options based on the appearance of the irregularity.

Acid Reflux Disease

Reflux often called GERD or laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR) when it affects the voice, is when fluid from the stomach washes up at the esophagus and into the throat. Some amount of reflux is normal, and not a problem. However, when the fluid washes up more frequently, in greater volume, or when the acid concentration is higher, it may lead to irritation of the voice box and throat. Patients often complain of a "lump in the throat". Other patients have a sensation of mucus in the back of the throat that is difficult to swallow. Treatment of this disease involves identifying food and other lifestyle factors that worsen the condition and correcting them. Medications are frequently used and are aimed at decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Trouble Swallowing

Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can be caused by many conditions affecting the throat, voicebox, esophagus, and even the nervous system. Many tests are available. To investigate the cause of these problems, the physicians at Otosurgical utilize the most advanced technology to arrive at the diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

Care of the Professional Voice

Many patients of Otosurgical make a living with their voices. Professional voice patients present a unique challenge in that they can put excessive strain on the voicebox. They often are working on a inflexible schedule or require immediate care. Good voice hygiene is essential to maintain a healthy voice, and during a consultation with our physicians at Otosurgical will explain the basics of voice care. When the voicebox is injured and is impacting the voice, there are many techniques available both to support the healing voice, and improve voice quality.