Struggling with Voice Loss for Nearly a Month: Seeking Solutions

I have been voiceless for nearly a month?

Since early December, I have been experiencing intermittent cold symptoms.
After treatment, my persistent cough has resolved, but I still have issues with phlegm and hoarseness.
About 25% of the time, my voice is very hoarse when I wake up.
I have been taking steroids for several weeks, but they haven't helped.
An ENT specialist who performed an endoscopy said I have polyps, and if they don't shrink, surgery may be necessary.
After five days of voice rest, my vocal cords were less red, but the right vocal cord remains swollen.
I was later referred to a hospital ENT department, where the doctor mentioned that it doesn't look like typical polyps or nodules and suggested trying medication again.
However, it has been almost a month, and my voice is severely hoarse, making it very difficult to speak, which is affecting my daily life.
I would like to ask the doctor what I should do in this situation.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Cherish, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/30

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if your voice does not improve and the medication is not effective, it is recommended to continue follow-up visits to the ENT department of the hospital for examination and to discuss with the clinician whether further treatment is necessary.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/01/30

More Info

Voice loss, or hoarseness, can be a frustrating and concerning issue, especially when it persists for an extended period, as in your case. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing symptoms related to your voice for nearly a month, following a series of respiratory symptoms. This situation can arise from various causes, and understanding these can help guide you toward effective treatment options.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that hoarseness can result from several factors, including vocal strain, infections, allergies, and structural changes in the vocal cords, such as nodules or polyps. Given that you have a history of respiratory symptoms, it is possible that your vocal cords became inflamed due to prolonged coughing or irritation from post-nasal drip. This inflammation can lead to swelling and changes in the voice quality, resulting in hoarseness.

You mentioned that you have been treated with steroids, which are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. However, if you have not seen significant improvement, it may indicate that the underlying issue is not solely inflammatory. The presence of a vocal cord polyp or nodule, as suggested by the ENT specialist, could be a contributing factor. These growths can develop from chronic irritation or overuse of the voice, and they may require surgical intervention if they do not respond to conservative treatments.

In your case, since you have already undergone an examination with an ENT specialist and have been advised to continue medication, it is crucial to follow up with them regularly. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you may want to consider seeking a second opinion from another ENT specialist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including laryngoscopy, to assess the condition of your vocal cords more closely.

In addition to medical treatment, there are several self-care strategies you can implement to help alleviate your symptoms:
1. Voice Rest: Giving your voice a break is essential. Avoid speaking or whispering as much as possible to allow your vocal cords to heal.

2. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help keep your vocal cords lubricated. Drink plenty of water and consider using a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture in the air.

3. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can exacerbate your symptoms. If you are a smoker, consider quitting, as smoking can significantly harm vocal cord health.

4. Warm-Up Exercises: Once your voice starts to improve, gentle vocal exercises can help strengthen your vocal cords and improve your voice quality. Consider working with a speech therapist or a vocal coach who specializes in voice rehabilitation.

5. Dietary Considerations: Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Spicy foods may also irritate your throat, so it might be best to avoid them until your voice improves.

6. Manage Allergies: If allergies are contributing to your symptoms, consider discussing allergy management strategies with your healthcare provider.

If you continue to experience significant hoarseness or if your voice does not return to normal after implementing these strategies, further diagnostic tests may be necessary. These could include imaging studies or a biopsy if there is concern about the nature of the growth on your vocal cords.

In summary, while it can be distressing to deal with prolonged voice loss, there are various avenues for treatment and management. Regular follow-ups with your ENT specialist, combined with self-care strategies, can help you regain your voice and improve your quality of life. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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