Track: Laryngology and Larynx Disorders

Laryngology and Larynx Disorders

Laryngology is the medical field dedicated to addressing disorders, diseases, and injuries affecting the voice box, known as the larynx. Common conditions treated by laryngologists include vocal cord swelling and nodules, laryngeal cancer, spasmodic dysphonia, laryngopharyngeal reflux, papilloma's, and voice misuse disorders.

Larynx disorders involve conditions affecting the voice box (larynx), which is crucial for speech and breathing. Common disorders include laryngitis (inflammation causing hoarseness and sore throat), vocal cord nodules and polyps (benign growths leading to voice changes), spasmodic dysphonia (muscle spasms causing voice interruptions), and laryngeal cancer. Symptoms often include voice changes, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis typically involves laryngoscopy, and treatments may include medication, voice therapy, or surgery.

Dysphonia/Hoarseness: Refers to changes in voice quality, including roughness or breathiness, often caused by vocal cord issues, infections, or overuse.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): A condition where stomach acid flows back into the throat, irritating the larynx and pharynx, leading to hoarseness, throat clearing, and cough.

Speech Therapy and Audio Processing: Speech therapy helps improve communication skills and manage voice disorders. Audio processing therapy addresses difficulties with understanding and interpreting auditory information.

Tracheostomy: A surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea for breathing, used in cases of severe airway obstruction or chronic respiratory issues.

Spasmodic Dysphonia: A voice disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the larynx, causing interruptions in speech and voice breaks.

Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps: Benign growths on the vocal cords often due to vocal strain, leading to hoarseness and voice changes.

Hoarseness Evaluation and Treatment: Involves assessing the underlying cause of voice changes, which may include laryngoscopy and treatment options like voice therapy or surgery.

Salivary Gland Tumors: Abnormal growths in the salivary glands, which can be benign or malignant, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or difficulty swallowing.

Voice Disorders: Include a range of issues affecting the quality, pitch, and volume of the voice, stemming from vocal cord abnormalities, neurological conditions, or misuse.