Voice, Swallowing & Chronic Cough

FAQ

It is uncomfortable and potentially concerning if you notice changes in your voice or have throat irritation that is long-lasting. There is a good chance that these irritations will be temporary, but you might need to get in touch with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor if you notice that these issues don't naturally resolve on their own. With this in mind, we will consider some of the common questions brought up by those who experience difficulty with their voice, with swallowing, or with a persistent cough.

What causes hoarseness or changes in my voice?

The first thing that you are likely to ask yourself is what the root cause of the hoarseness or changes in your voice. In some cases, it may be the temporary impacts of a cold, but other common causes include:

• Acid reflux that irritates your vocal chords

• Smoking

• Overuse of your vocal chords such as when talking a lot, screaming, or singing

• Allergies that cause throat irritation

These are just some of the reasons why you might experience hoarseness or changes to your voice. Be aware of the various factors that might play a role in the way that your voice sounds.

When should I see an ENT for a chronic cough?

Any cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered a chronic cough for an adult. If your chronic cough has an impact on your quality of life, then you need to see an ENT doctor right away. Here are some other reasons why you should see an ENT for a chronic cough:

• Your cough lasts several weeks

• A chronic cough occurs when you are primarily sitting upright or eating

• Produces severe chest pains

In any of these cases, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Can acid reflux cause throat irritation or voice changes?

Many people are under the false impression that acid reflux only impacts their stomachs. In reality, many different parts of the body can be impacted by acid reflux, including the throat. Tissues that are near your throat and vocal cords can be impacted by acid reflux and cause them to become inflamed.

Symptoms that you might experience related to acid reflux and the throat include:

• Chronic cough

• Irritation

• The sensation of a lump in the throat

Make note of any of these symptoms and speak with your doctor about them if you believe that acid reflux is having a negative impact on your voice and/or throat.

What is LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux) and how is it treated?

When stomach acid travels up the esophagus and reaches your throat or voice box, it is a condition known as LPR. Some people refer to this condition as "silent reflux" because it is often NOT associated with heartburn of any kind. Thus, LPR can be something that sneaks up on you and creates discomfort without much warning. People who experience LPR might note the following symptoms:

• Hoarseness

• Chronic cough

• Frequent throat clearing

• and more

How are swallowing disorders diagnosed?

If you experience any difficulty with swallowing, that is something that you should address as soon as possible. You simply can't have the quality of life that you want and that you deserve if you aren't able to naturally swallow. ENT doctors will use a number of strategies to diagnose a swallowing disorder. They may use an endoscopy procedure, simply review your medical history, use imaging tests, or any combination of those options.

When you visit us, we will help you understand the various ways that we can help you address these various ailments.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // Natali _ Mis