This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
What is Laryngology?
Laryngology is a branch of medicine which involves injuries and sicknesses of the larynx, often referred to as the voice box. Laryngology as well addresses voice disorders and treatments. The larynx is located in the neck and houses the vocal cords. The larynx is essential in the body's generation of sound.What does a laryngologist do?
A laryngologist is a doctor with a specific interest in illnesses of the larynx and voice disorders. Laryngology is a subspecialty of otolaryngology that relates to the treatment of the throat, ears, and nose. Laryngologists, and Otolaryngologists are usually known as ENT (ear, nose, and throat), doctors.What are some of the illnesses that affecting the larynx?
Many disorders of the larynx may be due to injury or strain to the vocal cords by way of speaking too low or too loudly, smoking, throat clearing, singing, excessive talking, screaming, or coughing. Finally, regular vocal misuse and abuse vocal can lead to lasting changes in vocal function and probably the loss of voice.Disorders due to overuse, abuse, or misuse are:
How are illnesses of the larynx diagnosed?
- Vocal cord polyps
- Vocal cord hemorrhage
- Expert voice disorders
- Laryngeal papillomatosis
- Spasmodic dysphonia
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)
- Laryngeal cancer
- Laryngeal stenosis
- Vocal cord nodules
How are illnesses of the larynx treated?
- Illnesses of the larynx are often by an otolaryngologist or laryngologist. The person will first carry out a physical examination that includes a scope test to visualize the larynx throat and larynx. Based on your symptoms, other examinations will likely be required. These are an additional endoscopic test, X-rays, or a biopsy (if cancer is suspected). In certain scenarios, they might as well order a laryngeal electromyography (LEMG), to assess the nerve input to the laryngeal muscles and may offer prognostic and diagnostic information about the recovery of vocal fold function.
- To diagnose conditions of vocal misuse like nodules, polyps, or cyst a laryngologist will even inspect the vocal cords using a scope. Further tests which may be carried out to diagnose issues with the larynx are MRIs and CT scans.
What can be done to prevent illnesses of the larynx?
- Treatments for illnesses that affect the larynx differ based on your diagnosis. Treatment for illnesses brought about by vocal overuse, abuse, or misuse, might be as easy as resting the voice. Singing or voice therapy may also be advised. This is done by a speech-language pathologist.
- Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery or a combination of them can be used to cure laryngeal cancer. Surgery may be needed to treat a cyst, nodules, or polyps.
- Treatment for illnesses of the larynx vocal cords and larynx vocal cords are highly personal, based on a profession, condition, and age. Your doctor will take all these into considerations to make a personal treatment plan.
- Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption might help prevent laryngeal cancer.
- Taking proper care not to strain the voice by way of too much misuse or use may prevent illnesses like nodules and polyps. This is particularly vital for singers or people like lawyers and teachers, who spend most of their day talking. Maintaining physical fitness, taking the time to rest your voice, and manage irritating factors like reflux or allergy may help a lot in preventing these illnesses.
- It is essential to remember that many conditions affecting the larynx are curable if you seek medical attention once you first detect your symptoms. Failing to do so might imply lasting damage to the larynx and voice.
Learn more about Laryngology