What Can Cause Voice Changes?
posted: Oct. 15, 2022.
There are many reasons why your voice can change or become hoarse, but among these the most common is laryngitis or inflammation of the larynx. In many cases, acute laryngitis requires mainly rest for the condition to improve, but if you've experienced throat and voice problems for some time then it may be time to consult with your Northside ENT specialists in Carmel, IN, Dr. Robert Youkilis, Dr. Jeffrey Beach, and Dr. Seth Bruggers.
Laryngitis
Acute laryngitis is the most common cause of hoarseness and changes to how your voice sounds, especially when these changes come about suddenly. The symptoms usually manifest after a cold or the flu and can lead to swelling of the vocal cords, which in turn makes them vibrate differently and thus cause your voice to also sound differently.
It's important to rest your voice if you are experiencing laryngitis symptoms, as overstraining your vocal cords during this time can lead to serious complications and injury.
If you are experiencing symptoms that won't go away then it's time to see your ENT specialist, but if you are having trouble swallowing or even breathing then that is often enough cause for an emergency.
Chronic laryngitis is the term used for laryngitis that often returns, although the underlying cause can vary widely and should be addressed directly by your doctor.
There are other possible causes for throat problems and voice changes, and these can include LPRD, GERD, voice overuse, and sometimes laryngeal cancer, so it's important to have your condition evaluated as early as possible by a medical professional to determine the inherent cause.
Throat And Voice in Carmel, IN
Your ENT professional can perform a complete ear, nose, and throat examination, which includes the vocal cords, along with specialized tests if needed to get to the source of the problem.
If you are experiencing problems with your throat and voice you can schedule a consultation in Carmel, IN, with Dr. Youkilis, Dr. Beach, and Dr. Seth Bruggers of Northside ENT by dialing (317) 844-5656.