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Chronic Laryngitis could have other underlying causes such as acid reflux or other irritating substances such as smoke or yeast infections due to inhalers for those who suffer from asthma.
Frequently, overuse of the voice and stressing the vocal cords can cause damage. Excessively loud or prolonged use of the voice can lead to difficulties, fatigue, increased effort and hoarseness. Overuse and stress can lead to benign vocal cord lesions or hemorrhages. Several things which may increase chances of problems developing with the vocal cords include:
- Trying to overspeak in noisy situations
- Excessive use of cellular phones
- Using a telephone cradled against the shoulder
- Using unnatural pitch, too high or too low, when speaking
- Trying to speak loudly without the use of an amplifier during public speaking
The Health Promotion Services for the NGHA listed several important points in regards to voice care. Those include but are not limited to:
Do not
- Shout or try to talk above high noises
- Smoke
- Force yourself to talk while you are hoarse
Avoid
- Chemical irritants and dusty conditions
- Eating large meals before sleeping
- Excessive use of the telephone
Take care
- Limit the use of the telephone as much as possible or find alternatives such as bluetooth
- Use a humidifier if you live in dry areas
- Drink plenty of water per day (6-8 glasses)
- Tension and depression can affect the voice
- Spicy foods and dairy products may also affect the voice
If you voice sounds abnormal for more than two weeks see your doctor
If after strenuous vocal tasks such as shouting or yelling or speaking at a loud volume for a lengthy period of time, you experience as sudden loss of voice you may have developed vocal cord hemorrhaging where a blood vessel ruptures filling the soft tissues surrounding the cords with blood. This interferes with the ability of the cords to function properly and is usually resolved with complete rest of the vocal cords. If it does not resolve, see your Otolaryngologist as soon as possible.
Finally, the Health Promotion Services educated the public about vocal cord paralysis and laryngeal cancer. Both of these diseases affect the voice and with early detection can be treated with positive results. Chronic hoarseness needs evaluation by a qualified otolaryngologist to determine the causes and to rule out curable diseases when diagnosed early.
For more information please see: http://www.orl-ksa.com and also the World Voice Day http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/worldVoiceDay.cfm?CFID=9367241&CFTOKEN=91311587
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