$Unique_ID{BRK00170}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{What Can Cause You to Lose Your Voice?}
$Subject{voice loss dysphonia causes}
$Volume{H-6}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can Cause You to Lose Your Voice?


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QUESTION:  Here I go again, another time when I open my mouth and nothing
comes out.  What can cause you to lose your voice?

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ANSWER:  Losing your voice--medically called dysphonia, the inability to utter
vocal sounds--may occur when a mechanical disability or weakness causes the
voice to become breathy, even reducing it to a whisper.  Other conditions can
cause the voice to become low and hoarse, high and squeaky, tight and
strained, or tremulous.
     Most often, these conditions stem from overuse, but they may also be
caused by respiratory ailments, vocal cord paralysis, endocrine disease,
tumors, spasicity (spasms of the laryngeal muscles), or tremor disorders.
     You should see a doctor if you have persistent or chronic voice loss.
Diagnosis of the cause is made based on the nature of voice loss, such as when
the voice is fine in the morning but gets progessively worse by the evening,
and the patient's history, including occupation, smoking, drinking, working in
a polluted environment, chronic heartburn.
     Unless the problem is obviously due to an upper respiratory tract
infection, you may be referred to a specialist for a laryngeal examination or
other tests.
     The first line of treatment usually involves simply resting your voice.
Sometimes it is important to master special breathing techniques, as
professional singers or speaker often do.  In some cases, surgery or
medication may be warranted.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
