Voice Disorders
The larynx, or voice box, is located at the top of the throat, connected to the trachea, or windpipe, and the back of the tongue. The vocal cords inside the voice box vibrate to make sound and also close the top of the trachea when you swallow to keep substances out of the windpipe. When the larynx is damaged from injuries, disease, environmental and lifestyle factors, it can cause voice disorders. At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can provide diagnosis and treatment for voice disorders at our Alpharetta, GA, clinic.
Air flowing through the larynx brings the vocal cords closer together and helps them vibrate to make noise. When there is damage to the muscles from strain, inflammation, growths or other restrictions, the vocal cords may not function correctly. This can lead to laryngitis, hoarseness and other voice disorders.
There are many possible risk factors that can increase the chance of a voice disorder. Strain or misuse of the voice are the most common – screaming and overusing your voice can lead to hoarseness or temporary voice loss. Other risk factors include aging, alcohol use, smoking, hydration, allergies, GERD and upper respiratory infections.
Treatment for Voice Problems
It is common to have a hoarse or weak voice for a few days after a heavy vocal day or during an illness. However, if you have ongoing or chronic voice problems, it is important to seek medical treatment from a voice or ENT specialist. At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we offer integrative and functional medical treatments for throat and voice conditions, including:
Dr. Julie Zweig is a dual board certified ENT doctor and sleep medicine specialist. Her integrative and functional medicine approach to patient care ensures the best outcomes. She utilizes advanced medical treatments and alternative therapies to help her patients recover from their ear, nose, throat or other conditions.
If you have a voice disorder and want to explore treatment options, come see our team at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT. Contact our state-of-the-art medical clinic in Alpharetta, GA, to schedule your consultation with our top voice specialist.
