Voice Disorders – The Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Human being is a social animal and the ability of expression plays a vital role in order to thrive individually in any society. As individuals, we need to express what we feel or need and it makes our daily living more convenient. However, voice disorders may get in your way for various reasons, obstructing the quality of living.

Voice is nothing but the air vibrations made by the vocal cords when the air is forced to pass through the larynx. Issues with voice, tone, pitch, word-flow and rate of speech, and different other issues with vocal cords are considered as voice disorders. In simple terms, anything that interferes with your vocal cords can cause voice disorders. Continue reading the blog to know more about different types of voice disorders, what causes them, the symptoms and the treatment methods.

Here are the major voice disorders: 

• Vocal cord paralysis - Vocal cords can be partially or fully paralysed due to a stroke or any other severe shock that damages the vocal cord nerves. If one or both vocal cords are damaged fully, the person will experience difficulty in breathing and speaking. Partial damage may result in weak and breathy voice. Sometimes, partial damage will be cured on its own however it always advisable to undergo the diagnosis by an expert ENT specialist for better results. 
• Laryngitis - This is a condition where the larynx swells due to some external health condition that includes chronic cough, asthma and even due to cold. In chronic laryngitis condition, the swell lasts for a longer period, making it difficult for the person to talk. 
• Spasmodic dysphonia - The vocal cords get spasm due to the nerved issue, making the person sound quivery, weak and talk in a breathy voice.

The Reasons Behind Voice Disorders - 

Anything that gets in the way of air and vocal cords can be a potential threat for voice disorders. Here are a few possible causes for voice disorders. 

• Nerve problems - In most cases, nerve damage can lead to voice disorders. The nerve damage can happen due to stroke, surgeries or chronic health condition conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and myasthenia gravis. 
• External growth affecting the structure of vocal cords - The formation of additional tissue in the throat region can affect the structure of vocal cords leading voice disorders. The growths include cysts, warts and fluid-filled sacs can contribute to voice disorders. 
• Excessive vocal cord abuse - Abusing the vocal cords excessively and long-term stress on them can damage the structure of vocal cords leading to voice disorders.

When You Should See the ENT Specialist -

It is advisable to consult the throat specialist if you observe quivering sound, breathy voice, weak sound and irregular pitch in voice. The doctor may conduct the diagnostic procedures based on the severity of the symptoms.

Diagnosis for Voice Disorders - 

Otolaryngologists, popularly known as ENT specialists, use various diagnostic methods to determine the type and treatment for the voice disorder. They may use equipment such as laryngoscopy that allows the specialist to have a clear look at the larynx. Apart from that laryngeal EMG, stroboscopy and imaging tests are conducted based on the necessity.

Treatment for Voice Disorders - 

Early recognition of voice disorders can improve the chances of a cure. Typically, doctors follow speech therapy techniques, working in association with speech pathologists. This may work for the people who are experiencing voice disorders in the initial days. For the issues that are advanced may require treatment that includes medicines, injections and even surgery.

Talking about surgeries, throat surgeons in India are gaining popularity world-wide. The hospitals too are housing the advanced equipment for a world-class ENT care. With little research and time, you could find the best ENT specialty clinic in your locality. Reach out to the ENT specialists as early as possible to find the right solutions for your all voice disorders.

5 Signs of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is something we have all seen in the cinemas. Not in soapy, dramatic films, but in the government advertisements displayed in the interest of the public. These adverts have made popular a name, that we all loathe hearing about. But are we paying attention to the issue that counts? Throat cancer is not the deadliest type of cancer prevalent, but it definitely has the potential to cause fatalities. In 2012, 300, 000 new cases of throat cancers were identified, making it the 13th most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. It is believed that the deadly disease is more common in men than women, universally. The age of incidence also seems to be unfair towards the 50 plus age group. However, it does not mean that the younger section of the population can slack off. Lifestyle has changed drastically, spiralling downwards, making it impossible to say anyone is safe from the clutches of cancer.

Throat cancer occurs in three different regions associated with the throat – back of the mouth, upper food pipe and the voice box. The most common types of throat cancer are Laryngeal (voice box) and pharyngeal (upper food pipe or pharynx) cancers. The causes of smoking, as can be inferred from the notorious cinema ads, can be smoking. However, there is an increase in the cancers caused by a non-smoking factor – Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-related throat cancer can occur even among non-smoking, younger individuals. 

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer may differ in some aspects but the gravity of the situation seldom changes. The risk of the malignant tumours may spread across to other parts of the body if not diagnosed. Age-old sayings may be a bore to deal with, but true nevertheless. Diagnosing cancer early does not only improve the chances of survival and recovery but may bring down the cost of throat cancer treatment significantly.

Early diagnosis for cancer is not an easy feat. One has to be aware of the symptoms and go for that lingering decision on a check-up. Most forms of cancer do not exhibit visible or distinctive symptoms. However, if the throat cancer symptoms mentioned below are persistent over an extended period of time, it is better to consult with a throat specialist doctor. There are many throat surgeons in India who can help with the same.  You can find some of the best throat specialists in an ENT hospital.

Throat cancer symptoms can resemble common ailments or even symptoms of other fatal diseases. However, these can vary from person to person and depends on where the cancer develops first. Signs of throat cancer include:

1. Change in the voice/ Hoarseness - One of the indicators is an extreme change in the voice of an individual. Though sore throat causes such a change, look out for something that is even more significant. A raspy voice or hoarseness over a significant amount of time calls for attention.
2. Difficulty in swallowing - If every meal seems like a challenge or if there’s this feeling of a lump in the throat all the time, it is a red card.
3. Lump in the neck - Throat cancer tumours can develop in different regions associated with the throat. This includes the neck. An uneasy mass or lump to the touch requires immediate clinical examination.
4. Persistent cough - It is to be noted that severe cough continuous and existing over a prolonged period of time may be symptom. Not every cough may be a symptom, but if you find it unusual, go for a doctor examination.
5. Unexplained weight loss - If there is a sudden dip in the kilos, not caused by a change in diet or a strict work out regime, it can be a symptom of cancer. Eliminate any cause for concern immediately.

The above-mentioned symptoms can only occur in some individuals. There may or may not be more symptoms. Being cautious is always better than being sorry. We may not be active in cancer prevention, however, we can avoid the common causing agents of cancer like tobacco and smoking. Spread awareness, diagnose early, stay safe. 

Everything about adenoids

Does your child have bad breath, difficulty in swallowing or sleeping, frequent throat or ear infections, snoring problems etc.? Then, there is a great probability of your child having adenoids. It is best that you consult an ENT specialist at the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore.

What are adenoids?

Adenoids are a bundle of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the nose and above the palate or the roof of the mouth. They are also called pharyngeal tonsils. They form a part of the body's immune system by trapping harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses before being swallowed. They thus protect the body from infections by flushing out unwanted particles like dust and germs.

Adenoids are at their largest size in kids aged 3-5, start shrinking at the age of 7-8 years, and completely disappear during the teenage years.

How do the adenoids function?

Adenoids are covered with mucus and small hair called cilia.  These hairy cilia wave in the air and trap the dust and bacteria in the mucus. These unwanted particles and germs are flushed away with the mucus. During this process, the adenoids might get swollen, causing difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing.

Enlarged Adenoids and their symptoms

Children often suffer from enlarged adenoids due to infection in their childhood. Enlarged adenoids seldom occur in adults unless they suffer from an allergy, chronic infection, pollution or smoking. 

When the adenoids are enlarged, the patient suffers from the following symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Noisy breathing
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea or Trouble in sleeping
• Swollen neck glands
• Ear infections
• Dry mouth
• Cracked lip
• Bad breath

Enlarged adenoids must be addressed immediately as they cause several allied health problems like sleep apnea, sinus infections, throat infections like strep throat or ear infections like otitis media. Sometimes, if left unnoticed, the adenoids remain permanently enlarged throughout life. In adults, enlarged adenoids are seen as a sign of cancer. So, the right thing to do on encountering the above symptoms would be to consult an ENT specialist without further delay.

What to do if the adenoids are enlarged? 

The first thing to do on finding the adenoids enlarged is to consult an ENT specialist. The ENT doctor examines the adenoids with a long tube called endoscope and then decide on the course of action. Oral medicines and antibiotics may be prescribed or if the infection is too severe, the ENT specialist may suggest the removal of the adenoids by adenoidectomy.

Get your adenoidectomy done from a reputed ENT doctor in Coimbatore to gain quick and painless relief from this condition.

Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the adenoid tissue. It is a simple operation executed in just 30 minutes if handled by an expert ENT surgeon like the ones available at the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore. The surgical procedure is easy and painless and does not require any stitches or sutures. The patient can get discharged from the hospital within the same day.

After surgery, the patient may experience a sore throat or mild pain for which pain-relievers and antibiotics are prescribed.  The patient is advised to take soft foods and fluids to avoid discomfort. Recovery is quick and the patient recoups within a few days.

Enlarged adenoids and cancer

Enlarged adenoids are seen as a risk of cancer and must be dealt with immediately by consulting expert ENT specialists. Cancer of the lymphatic system called lymphoma may cause the adenoid to enlarge forming tumours. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a type of cancer of the adenoids which causes them to enlarge.

So, never ignore the symptoms of adenoids or the swelling of neck glands in both children and adult. Rush to a trusted ENT specialist or the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore for permanent relief and swift recovery.

Everything about Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone which is located behind the ear. It develops due to the inflammation or infection of the air cells in the mastoid bone as a consequence of untreated or unresolved middle ear infection called otitis media. This infection occurs more often in children than in adults.

Usually, patients suffering from mastoiditis recover quickly when diagnosed and treated properly by ENT specialists. However, if the infection spreads outside the mastoid bone, it can result in serious consequences including permanent hearing loss, damage of facial nerve/facial paralysis, meningitis, bone infection (osteomyelitis), inflammation of the inner ear nerves (labyrinthitis), brain abscess and formation of blood clots (thrombosis).

Mastoiditis can be diagnosed by physical examination of the ear using an otoscope and culture of ear discharge, blood tests, CT scan/X-Ray/MRI and audiometric tests.

Symptoms of Mastoiditis

• A feeling of pain and discomfort in or behind the ear
• Signs of tenderness or redness behind the ear
• Ear discharge
• Swelling in the region behind the ears causing the protrusion of the earlobes
• Spinning sensation and dizziness(vertigo)
• Fever
• Headache
• Irritability/Fussiness
• Exhaustion/Lethargy
• Inflammation in the eyes
• The weakening of facial muscles
• Hearing loss in the affected ear
• Bulging or drooping of the ear

Treatment of Mastoiditis

Resolving Mastoiditis involves ear infection treatment with antibiotics, ear drops and periodic ear cleaning. It is a serious condition which cannot be resolved completely only at home. In some acute cases, antibiotics need to be dispensed through Intra Venous (IV) drips in a hospital. For chronic infection, surgery may be recommended for

• Draining the fluid in the middle ear through a procedure called Myringotomy. In this, the surgeon makes a tiny hole in the eardrum to drain the accumulated fluid and reduce the pressure on the middle ear. In some cases, a small tube may be inserted into the middle ear for ensuring continuous drainage and prevent the hole from closing. Subsequently, the tube usually falls off on its own within a period of six months to one year.
• Removal of a portion of the severely affected mastoid bone by an operation called Mastoidectomy. This is recommended in case the symptoms don’t improve by the usage of IV antibiotics or further complications like abscess or bone erosion happen. Recovery period post mastoiditis surgery usually lasts for one to two weeks.

It is important to do regular follow-up appointments with the doctor in Mastoiditis treatment to rule out hearing problems and other serious medical conditions.

Some of the other home remedies that provide relief from pain and other symptoms of Mastoiditis include - 

• Wearing earplugs while bathing and swimming to prevent the entry of water to the ears which can worsen  the infection
• Using over the counter (OTC) medications for reducing fever and aches
• Taking sufficient rest
• Remaining well hydrated
• Giving a warm compression over the ears to reduce pain
• Avoiding travel by air as it aggravates the pain

Prevention of Mastoiditis

It is possible to prevent the occurrence of Mastoiditis by avoiding ear infections and treating periodic or recurring ear infections (especially in the middle ear) with antibiotics. Ways to prevent infection of the ears are

• Stopping  the spread of cold and flu virus by maintaining proper hand hygiene and washing
• Taking  children away from secondary smoke as they are more susceptible to infection attacks  if they are surrounded by smokers
• Ensuring that the flu vaccine prescribed for children is administered annually
• Limiting constant exposure from patients having cold and flu 

There are many renowned ENT doctors in Coimbatore who can treat Mastoiditis successfully to avoid further health impediments. For more information regarding such ear infections and hearing loss treatment, please visit this website of ENT Hospital at Coimbatore.

5 Ways of Improving Hearing in Elders

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common health issues that affect the elderly adults. It is also called Presbycusis and this condition manifests itself slowly as one grows older. Usually, this hearing loss affects both the ears equally and may often go unnoticed as the process is gradual. Many elders realize that they have this problem only after they have lost a substantial amount of their hearing ability.

Loss of hearing has dramatic effects on the quality of life that elders can lead. It can make social interactions difficult leading to isolation and depression.

Types of Hearing Loss

• Conductive Hearing Loss which occurs due to problems associated with the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear or ear bones. Common reasons for this include ear infection, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, allergies, malformation in the ear structure, excessive earwax, hereditary conditions, benign tumours and presence of foreign objects in the ears.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss which happens due to problems in the inner ear and is related to the nerves. Some causes for this are aging, presence of tumours, constant exposure to loud noises, head injury/trauma, heredity, auto-immune disease, abnormalities in the inner ear including ear inflammation and Meniere’s disease.
• Mixed Hearing Loss which can occur due to a combination of the above reasons.

Age-Related Hearing Loss is essentially a type of Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Symptoms include-

• Facing difficulties in understanding and comprehending conversations especially in noisy environments
• Having a perception that others are mumbling even when they are speaking clearly
• Overwhelmed by  specific sounds as they are annoying or loud to bear
• Experiencing tinnitus(ringing sound in the ears)

Elders who feel that they are facing such difficulties in their hearing function should consult the ENT doctor immediately for diagnosing the type, cause and severity of the condition by appropriate hearing evaluation. Based on this, the appropriate treatment roadmap may be recommended.

Hearing Loss Treatment

• Using Hearing Aids - Hearing Aid Treatment involves the use of electronic devices called hearing aids in or behind the ears. These devices amplify the sound to enable better hearing. Various styles of hearing aids include Behind-the-ear(BTE), In-the-Ear(ITE), In-the-Canal(ITC), Mini BTE and Completely-in-Canal(CIC).
• Cochlear Implants - These are electronic devices which are surgically implanted in the inner ear to aid people who are completely deaf or have severe hearing dysfunction.
• Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems - These are so designed as to utilize the body’s natural ability for transferring sound by bone conduction. A sound processor relays the sound through vibrations to the inner ear.
• Assistive Devices - Several devices as amplifiers for telephones and cell phones, hearing loop systems and electronic apps for smart phones may be helpful for better hearing.
• Lip and Speech Reading - Here special training may be given to the elders through therapy for following conversational speech through body language and lip movements.

Ways for Improving Hearing in Elders

• Solving puzzles - Hearing loss is associated with brain atrophy where brain cells and interlinking connections are damaged. This may be prevented by doing various puzzles like crosswords, Sudoku and word searches to sustain and enrich brain functioning.
• Doing yoga and exercise - Yoga and exercise enhances the circulation in the brain and ears thereby improving nervous functions and detoxification process. Yoga poses that improve hearing include tree, lotus, cobra and triangle pose. Exercises may include walking, gardening and even doing routine household work regularly.
• Avoid loud sounds - Elders must avoid constant exposure to loud noises and use headphones in comfortable volumes.
• Performing Meditation - Meditation and deep breathing improves blood flow and increases oxygen content. This helps in deciphering sounds in noisy environments.
• Quitting smoking - The nicotine and carbon-monoxide content in the cigarettes deprive the inner ear of oxygen supply and affect the neurotransmitters in the auditory nerves. Hence it is strongly advisable to quit smoking. 

Healthy Sleep Healthy Aging

The role of sleep in maintaining good health increases with age. That is because the body never outgrows the need for sufficient sleep. Additionally, as one grows older sleep is vital for repairing the damaged body cells and sustaining mental concentration and memory retention. Research also reveals that the quality and quantity of sleep impacts the overall well-being and quality of life that elders lead.

Usually, it is seen that older adults get less duration of sleep than they need. One of the primary reasons for this is that they often experience trouble falling asleep. Aging also brings about a change in sleep patterns. So elders are less likely to have deep sleep during the nights and tend to wake up often. They also may frequently take naps during the day which sleep quality. There may be variations in the sleep schedules too (getting drowsy by evening and waking up very early in the mornings).

Not sleeping well can lead to a variety of problems in seniors that includes depression, excessive usage of over the counter drugs, more night time falls, attention deficiency, memory issues and excessive day time sleepiness. While it is inevitable that sleeping patterns vary with age, disturbed sleep and daytime exhaustion are detrimental to health. 

Importance of Good Sleep

• Poor sleep can lead to obesity as it causes hormonal imbalances and decreases motivation to exercise.
• Good sleep maintains metabolism rates and appetite hormone levels which ensure that elders do not overeat.
• Sufficient sleep aids in proper functioning of the brain for improving the capabilities of cognition, concentration, productivity and performance.
• Longer sleep also enhances athletic and physical strength.
• Insufficient sleep increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
• Sleep also impacts glucose metabolism which is vital for maintaining blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity for preventing diabetes.
• Reduced quality of sleep leads to mental ailments including depression and suicidal tendencies.
• Sound sleep enhances the body immunity mechanisms thereby preventing frequent sickness and infections.
• Bad sleep increases inflammation of body cells leading to various digestive disorders, Crohn’s disease and even cancer.
• Good sleep influences emotional regulation and social interaction which is crucial for maintaining mental health.

Tips for Sleeping Better

• Maintain consistent sleep routines and schedules
• Exposure yourself to natural sunlight for short interval during the day
• Be physically active
• Cut down consumption of caffeine products, tobacco and alcohol
• Do not  use self -administered sleeping medications
• Limit daytime naps
• Improve sleeping environment including using a sturdy mattress, ambient lighting, maintaining quietness and appropriate room temperature.
• Avoid heavy meals and use of electronic devices during the night
• Remain well-hydrated
• Consume foods for healthy sleep like almonds, walnuts, cheese, lettuce, cherry or cranberry juice, cereals and chamomile tea
• Take a bath or use relaxation techniques like meditation before bedtime

Sleep-Related Problems

• Insomnia - A common sleep disorder where adults take a long time to sleep, have disturbed sleep and wake up exhausted.
• Snoring-This causes loud sounds during sleep due to obstructions in the airways from the nose to the lungs via the mouth.
• Sleep Apnea-Persistent snoring can lead to potentially disorder called sleep apnea where a person’s breathing stops for 10 to 60 seconds intervals during sleep leading to depletion in oxygen levels. Causes of sleep apnea include being overweight, abnormal anatomy of upper airways, smoking, certain medications, abuse of drugs and alcohol and aging.
• Digestive problems like Gastro-Oesophageal Disorder (GERD) and neurological disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) are also caused by sleep deprivation.

Do not neglect sleeping issues- consult the ENT Specialist for proper treatment to prevent serious complications. After all, healthy sleep leads to healthy aging!

Impact and Importance of Good Sleep

The vital role of good sleep cannot be undermined in the good health and well-being of our lives. Sound sleep at the right time protects our safety, physical and mental health and also the quality of life that we lead. That is because, during the sleeping phase, the body is continuously working to support the healthy functioning of the brain and maintain our physical fitness. These processes are interrupted due to irregular sleep.

The importance of sleep can be entailed as follows -

• Controls body temperature and metabolism
• Maintains the working of the body  immune system
• Helps in controlling the proper functioning of the brain and aids the memory restoration process
• Ensures proper circulation in the blood vessels for maintaining a healthy heart
• Stimulates tissue repair and growth(in children) as growth hormone is released during the sleeping phase
• Sustains the blood glucose levels and regulates the appetite

Impact of Good Sleep

• Maintains cardiac health by controlling the blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are the major risk factors for causing stroke and heart attacks.
• Helps in preventing cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer, by regulating the melatonin hormone levels which prevents tumour growth.
• Reduces stress which would otherwise cause hypertension. The production of stress hormones impairs the normal functioning of the organs and creates hurdles in falling asleep easily.
• Prevents deterioration due to aging by decreasing inflammation which is known to cause diabetes, heart problems and cancer.
• Increases mental alertness to keep you fully energized and active during the day. This constructive engagement helps in doing our routine tasks efficiently which in turn, induces better sleep cycle at night.
• Enhances the memory by assisting the brain in creating linkages between the memory, sensory inputs, feelings and events resulting in better mental processing abilities.
• Assists in losing weight by balancing the hormone levels of ghrelin and leptin which regulate appetite and control the metabolism for proper nutrient assimilation.
• Decreases the chances of depression by preventing deficiency of the serotonin hormone.
• Stimulates the body to repair itself due to the damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, stress and other harmful substances. This is because the body produces proteins during sleep which are the cellular building blocks for repairing the damages caused.
• Taking a few short naps during the day boosts productivity and decreases stress levels. It is also beneficial in enhancing the moods, memory and cognitive functioning of the brain and is a refreshing alternative to caffeine consumption.

Common Sleeping Problems

• Insomnia - Here there is difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep or awakening at unusually early hours of the day. Treatment may include behavioural, psychological, medical approaches or a combination of these.
• Snoring – Loud and unpleasant sounds called snores are generated during sleep due to blocked airways. In mild cases, the cure for snoring can involve making simple lifestyle changes. Treatment for snoring in severe cases includes using nasal snoring solutions or oral appliances and treating chronic allergies. Surgery for snoring may be inevitable for correcting structural problems in the nose. Laser surgery for snoring using Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty is an effective treatment that tightens the throat tissues.
• Sleep Apnea - In this the breathing process is disrupted frequently during sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea include very loud snoring, gasping for breath, insomnia and morning headaches. The effects of sleep apnea can cause serious consequences like high blood pressure, stroke, depression, heart attacks and worsening of hyperactivity. Sleep apnea treatment includes usage of airway pressure devices. Chronic cases need surgery for tissue removal, jaw repositioning, implantation or endoscopic sinus surgeries for improving sinus ventilation.

Poor sleep has several long-lasting detrimental effects on our health, unfortunately. So please consult the ENT Doctor immediately for any sleeping problem.