Afonija – Aphonia – Partial loss of voice

Afonii description

Afonija – disease, that includes the total or partial loss of voice. Man cannot speak or spoke only in whispers. It, usually, problems associated with the larynx. Disease successfully treated.

Causes of afonii

Aphonia can be caused by:

• Physical conditions, that may be associated with the trauma, inflammation, or diseases:
  • Diseases of the larynx or thyroid gland;
  • Removal of Larynx Cancer;
  • Povrezhdeniee nerves, that affect the function of the larynx;
  • Paralysis of the vocal cords;
  • Severe laryngitis (viral, bacterial, or fungal);
  • Thickening of the vocal cords;
  • Nodes or polyps on her vocal cords;
  • Voice disorders (eg, after yelling or a long conversation, Smoking Area, use of alcohol or caffeine);
  • Breathing problems, that affect the ability to speak;
  • Primary progressive aphasia (a form of dementia, that affects the ability to communicate);
  • Other neurological disorders (eg, myasthenia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis);
  • Laryngeal nerve damage after surgery, neck or chest;
• Psychological conditions, such as:
  • Hysterical aphonia (because of psychiatric reasons);
  • Selective mutism (muteness) – symptom of anxiety disorders.

Risk factors

Factors, that increase the likelihood of afonii:

• Effects of surgery on or around the larynx;
• Abuse of the voice (eg, talking hoarse);
• The presence of anxiety disorder;
• Bad habits, that harm the voice cords, such as smoking, which can cause cancer of the larynx.

Symptoms afonii

The following symptoms may be caused by not only afoniej, and other diseases. When you see any of them need to go to the doctor.

• Paralysis of the vocal cords, physical or psychological;
• Inability to speak, or the ability to speak only in a whisper;
• Hoarseness;
• Spasm of the vocal cords;
• Sore throat;
• Difficulty weight management, food or liquid enters the lungs.

Afonii Diagnostics

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history, performs a physical exam.

If there is a clear link with physical causes, afoniju you can easily diagnose. Diagnosis can be more complex, If the disease is linked to psychological causes.

The patient may view the following specialists:

• Laringolog or ear doctor, nose and throat (specializes in voice disorders);
• Speech therapist (specializes in speech and incorrect pronunciation);
• Neurologist (specializes in diseases of the nervous system);
• Mental health specialist.

Treatment afonii

Treatment options include the following:

• Voice therapy;
• Counseling (may include ways to stress reduction and relaxation techniques);
• Consulting in conjunction with voice therapy;
• Operation – can help in some cases afonii;
• Alternative medicine (eg, electroacupuncture).

The doctor may also treat the underlying disease. For Example, in the presence of polyps or growths on the vocal cords, treatment may include:

• Rest for voice;
• Study of new technology talk;
• Surgery (rarely).

Prevention afonii

To reduce the likelihood of afonii, you must take the following steps:

• To avoid strain on vocal cords:
  • To avoid lengthy conversations;
  • You must quit smoking;
  • Moderately consume alcohol;
  • Limit your intake of caffeine;
  • Limit exposure to vapors and toxins;
• When you have anxiety or anxiety, consult a doctor;
• If the work involves the need for lengthy conversations, It is necessary to explore additional vocal engineering, reduce the tension of the vocal cords;
• Cure disease, that can lead to afonii.