Can vocal infections cause you from voice change? How to safeguard and maintain our vocal cords from getting affected?

Vocal infections are caused by lumps in the throat due to inflammation of vocal cords by viruses and bacteria. Yes, these infections certainly lead to changes in voice and vocal disorders. That is because the infected vocal cords are not able to vibrate normally thereby affecting the quality of the voice in terms of pitch, tone and volume. The risk factors of getting such infections increase with age, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, illnesses like cold, cough, thyroid problems and voice overuse.

Fortunately, vocal infections and disorders can be cured by making certain healthy lifestyle changes and treating the underlying condition through medical intervention, therapy or surgery. Vikram ENT Hospital, a leading specialty ENT hospital in Coimbatore, offers promising treatments for all kinds of ENT problems including voice disorders. This globally renowned ENT specialist centre is equipped with the latest medical technological tools and infrastructure and supported by the best ENT doctors in Coimbatore. It is known for handling multitudes of patients with an accurate diagnosis, precise treatment and excellent healthcare outcomes.

Let us now dwell deeper into the details of vocal infections and their prevention.

Symptoms of Vocal Infections

• Hoarse or raspy voice
• Inability to sing high notes
• Sudden deepening of the voice
• Strained or itchy throat
• Frequent clearing of the throat
• Difficulty in speaking

Causes of Vocal Infections

• Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) Infections including laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and strep throat
• Inflammation caused due to gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD)
• Misuse or straining of voice
• Throat cancer
• Abnormal growths like vocal cord cysts, vocal polyps and nodules
• Neurological diseases like vocal paralysis
• Psychological trauma
• Hyper nasal speech

Diagnosis and Treatment

The ENT specialist does a detailed evaluation of the problem and may conduct a physical examination of the vocal cords using instruments like a laryngoscope or video stroboscope. Sometimes, further tests like acoustic analysis and laryngeal electromyography may be needed.

The treatment roadmap depends on the cause of the vocal disorder. It may include-

• Lifestyle Changes - Resting the vocal cords periodically and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dryness in the throat are some simple remedies to handle the problem. Smoking cessation is also highly advisable.
• Speech Therapy - Qualified speech pathologists can help patients in using their voice more effectively through speech or voice therapy. They also guide them on deep breathing techniques, the amount of hydration required and effective throat-clearing methodologies.
• Allergy Treatment - If the voice disruptions are occurring due to allergies caused by the creation of too much mucus in the throat, medications may be prescribed by allergy specialists to overcome the issue.
• Medications - Depending on the cause, medications may be given by ENT doctors for combating inflammation, infections, gastroesophageal problems or for preventing blood vessel regrowth.
• Surgical Interventions - In chronic cases, surgery may be needed for the removal of lesions on the vocal cords. Laser treatment is another state-of-art approach that is popular these days for removing these growths. Medicated injections may be given to decrease muscular spams and abnormal movements of the vocal muscles.

Tips to Safeguard and Protect Vocal Cords

• Remain well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Limit intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
• Take vocal naps to give rest to the vocal cords.
• Use a humidifier at home.
• Avoid medications that cause dryness of the throat.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce intake of highly spicy foods to prevent acidity, heartburn and GERD.
• Consume plenty of wholegrain foods, fresh vegetables and fruits. These are enriched with Vitamins A, E and C that help to keep the mucus membrane of the throat healthy.
• Maintain hand hygiene particularly if you are suffering from a cold or flu.
• Have a regular exercise regime.
• Take sufficient rest as physical exertion can hamper the voice.
• Avoid mouthwashes and gargles containing harmful chemicals.
• Use your voice wisely and do not strain it.
• Rest your voice completely when you are sick.
• Avoid using extreme vocal ranges like shouting and screaming.
• Practice healthy breathing techniques.
• Do not cradle the phone while speaking as it increases the muscular tension on the neck.
• Use microphones when appropriate.
• Avoid conversing in noisy zones.
• Consider taking voice therapy from professional therapists if required.

Thus, following a healthy lifestyle, avoiding voice misuse and seeking timely medical help can significantly prevent vocal infections. Please contact Vikram ENT Hospital, Coimbatore for more information.