Voice and Swallowing Swallowing Trouble
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly.
The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary and not threatening.
Difficulties in swallowing rarely represent a more serious disease, such as a tumor or a progressive neurological disorder.
When the difficulty does not clear up by itself in a short period of time, you should see one of our Ear, Nose & Throat providers.
How Do I Know If I Have A Voice Problem?
Voice problems occur with a change in the voice, often described as hoarseness, roughness or a raspy quality.
People with voice problems often complain about or notice changes in pitch, loss of voice, loss of endurance and sometimes a sharp or dull pain associated with voice use.
Other voice problems may accompany a change in singing ability that is most notable in the upper singing range.
A more serious problem is indicated by spitting up blood or when blood is present in the mucus. These require prompt attention by one of our Ear, Nose & Throat providers.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of A Change In Your Voice?
Voice changes sometimes follow an upper respiratory infection lasting up to two weeks.
Typically the upper respiratory infection or cold causes swelling of the vocal cords and changes their vibration resulting in an abnormal voice. Reduced voice use (voice rest) typically improves the voice after an upper respiratory infection, cold or bronchitis.
If voice does not return to its normal characteristics and capabilities within two to four weeks after a cold, a medical evaluation by one of our Ear, Nose & Throat providers is recommended.
A throat examination after a change in the voice lasting longer than one month is especially important for smokers. (Note: A change in voice is one of the first and most important symptoms of throat cancer. Early detection significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.)
Six Tips To Identify Voice Problems
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you have an unhealthy voice:
- Has your voice become hoarse or raspy?
- Does your throat often feel raw, achy, or strained?
- Does talking require more effort?
- Do you find yourself repeatedly clearing your throat?
- Do people regularly ask you if you have a cold when in fact you do not?
- Have you lost your ability to hit some high notes when singing?*
For more information on voice and swallowing, please contact one of our Ear, Nose & Throat providers.