Benefits of Professional Voice Care

Is Vocal Cord Dysplasia a Cancer?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:15:00 GMT

Vocal Cord Dysplasia is a condition that affects the vocal cords caused by abnormal cell growth. It can cause various voice problems, such as a weak or breathy voice. By understanding the differences, individuals can gain a sense of reassurance and make informed decisions about their health.

Understanding Vocal Cord Dysplasia

Vocal cord dysplasia refers to an abnormal growth of cells that affects the vocal cords' structure and function. It is classified as a benign condition, although higher-grade dysplasias can evolve into cancers and require regular follow-up. Vocal Cord Dysplasia can manifest in various degrees of severity, ranging from mild to severe. Unlike cancer, it does not invade or spread to other parts of the body. With appropriate diagnosis and management, individuals with vocal cord dysplasia can achieve significant improvement in their voice quality and overall well-being.

Causes and Symptoms of Vocal Cord Dysplasia

The exact cause of vocal cord dysplasia is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. Chronic irritation or trauma to the vocal cords, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, may play a role. Additionally, individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or those who frequently strain their vocal cords, such as professional singers, are at a higher risk.

Symptoms of vocal cord dysplasia may include hoarseness, vocal fatigue, breathiness, and difficulty in projecting the voice. Diagnosis is usually made through a laryngoscopy, where a small camera is inserted into the throat to examine the vocal cords. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the dysplasia.

It's important to note that vocal cord dysplasia is not cancerous, but if left untreated, it can progress and cause permanent damage to the vocal cords. Early detection and treatment are key in managing this condition.

Treatment Options for Vocal Cord Dysplasia

Treatment options for vocal cord dysplasia typically depend on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may not require any intervention, and symptoms may resolve spontaneously. For moderate to severe cases, treatment options may include voice therapy or surgical intervention. Voice therapy aims to teach individuals techniques to improve vocal cord function.

Surgical interventions may be recommended based on the severity of the condition. These interventions aim to remove or correct the abnormal cells in the vocal cords. Some common surgical treatments for vocal cord dysplasia include:

Microsurgery : In this procedure, a surgeon uses a microscope and specialized instruments to remove the abnormal cells from the vocal cords. This technique allows for precision and minimal damage to healthy tissue.
Laser Surgery: Laser surgery involves using a laser beam to vaporize or remove the abnormal cells in the vocal cords. This approach is often employed for smaller dysplastic lesions and can be performed under general or local anesthesia.

Exploring the Link between Vocal Cord Dysplasia and Cancer

Vocal cord dysplasia is a condition that affects the cells of the vocal cords, causing abnormalities and changes in their structure. While vocal cord dysplasia is not cancer itself, it is considered a precancerous condition. This means that the abnormal cells have the potential to develop into cancer if left untreated. It is important to monitor and manage vocal cord dysplasia closely to prevent the progression to cancer. Regular follow-up appointments with a laryngologist , a healthcare professional specializing in vocal disorders, are recommended to monitor any changes and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Preventive Measures for Vocal Cord Dysplasia

Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing vocal cord dysplasia. Here are some steps individuals can take:

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Vocal Cord Dysplasia

Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as smoking is a major risk factor for vocal cord dysplasia and other throat-related conditions.
Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of developing vocal cord dysplasia.
Practice good vocal hygiene, such as staying hydrated, avoiding excessive vocal strain, and using proper vocal techniques when speaking or singing.
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, as a nutritious diet can support overall vocal health.

Regular Check-ups and Early Detection of Vocal Cord Dysplasia

It is important to schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a history of smoking or have noticed any changes in your voice.
Early detection of vocal cord dysplasia is crucial for successful treatment and management.
Regular professional examination of the vocal cords, such as laryngoscopy, can help identify any abnormalities and ensure early intervention if needed.

By making these lifestyle changes and prioritizing regular check-ups, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of vocal cord dysplasia and maintain optimal vocal health.

If you experience any persistent voice changes or other concerning symptoms, consult with a medical professional. Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you towards the most suitable course of action. She is a fellowship-trained laryngologists specializing in professional voice surgery and care of the vocal cords and larynx. Call 502-894-8441 to schedule an appointment.

What Causes Vocal Strain?

Mon, 08 May 2023 12:00:08 GMT

We communicate through speech almost constantly. Whether it be in the workplace, at home or even out with friends, we rely heavily on our voice to convey our thoughts and emotions. However, sometimes we can experience vocal strain when speaking, leaving us feeling hoarse and making it difficult for us to communicate effectively. But what exactly causes vocal strain? In the following blog, we will delve into the primary causes of vocal fatigue and offer practical advice on how to avoid it. Let's dive in and discover what's behind this common issue.

Introduction to Vocal Strain

Vocal strain is a common issue that many people face at some point in their lives. This can be caused by a variety of factors including muscle tension dysphonia , chronic vocal fatigue, inflammation, and vocal abuse. It can also be a side effect of laryngitis or surgery to treat cancer. It is important to recognize the symptoms of vocal strain such as hoarseness or difficulty speaking, and to seek professional help if necessary. Additionally, stress and fatigue can contribute to vocal strain, so it is important to take care of oneself and practice good vocal hygiene. By understanding the potential causes of vocal strain, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent it and preserve their vocal health.

Symptoms of Vocal Strain

Symptoms of vocal strain vary based on the individual's situation and the severity of their vocal abuse or misuse. The common indicators of vocal strain may include:

Persistent hoarseness
Weak or lost voice
Tickling sensation and rawness in the throat
Vocal fatigue
Throat Pain
Changes in pitch or odd sounding speech

Additionally, those experiencing strain may have a sore or dry throat, and they may feel fatigued after speaking or singing. In more severe cases, individuals may experience chronic vocal fatigue, which is characterized by ongoing hoarseness and difficulty producing sounds.

Potential Causes of Vocal Strain

It's essential to understand what causes vocal strain to avoid further damage to the voice. The potential causes of vocal strain include overusing the voice, respiratory infection, acid reflux, cold weather, and smoking. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be responsible for vocal strain, leading to sore throat inflammation. Muscle tension dysphonia, caused by a previous injury to the vocal cords or other medical conditions, can also lead to vocal strain. Infections such as colds or flu can cause inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords, leading to strain.

While stress and inflammation can contribute to vocal strain, the most common cause is vocal abuse and misuse. This can include things like shouting, screaming, or talking for extended periods of time without proper rest. Those who use their voice frequently, such as singers and public speakers, need to take extra care to ensure that their vocal cords remain healthy.

Treatment Options for Vocal Strain

There are several treatment options available for vocal strain, depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common treatments include:

1. Rest: Resting the voice is the most effective way to treat vocal strain. This means avoiding speaking or singing for extended periods and taking breaks when necessary.

2. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep the vocal cords hydrated and reduce the risk of strain. Also, avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.

3. Vocal Exercises: Vocal exercises can help strengthen the vocal cords and reduce the risk of strain.

4. Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or throat lozenges can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by vocal strain.

5. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the vocal cords.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of vocal strain for more than 2 weeks, it may be necessary to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend vocal rest, medication, speech therapy or vocal exercises to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the vocal cords.

Conclusion

Vocal strain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. The symptoms of vocal strain can range from mild to severe and can impact a person's ability to speak or perform certain activities. By being mindful of voice use, staying hydrated, and seeking medical attention, when necessary, one can help protect their vocal cords and keep their voice healthy and strong.

If you experience any issues with your voice, don't hesitate to seek medical attention . Your voice is a valuable asset, so take good care of it!

Strep Throat or Sore Throat: How to Tell the Difference

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 17:15:00 GMT

Your throat starts to hurt, and you find it difficult to swallow. Is it a sore throat, or is there a more serious issue? Anyone, especially children, can have a sore throat or strep throat, which are quite common conditions. Read on to learn which is which and how to distinguish between the two.

What Is Strep Throat?

A bacterial infection of the throat is called strep throat. It is brought on by the bacteria named Group A Streptococcus (group A strep) . This throat infection might start out slowly and get worse within a day or two. Strep throat also spreads rapidly and can lead to serious problems if left untreated. The good news is that treatment is simple.

What Is a Sore Throat?

A viral or bacterial infection of the throat causes a sore throat. Pharyngitis is the medical term for sore throat because the back of the throat, or the pharynx, is affected. Viral infections of the throat account for about 90% of cases. A sore throat can also occur on its own or with other conditions.

Symptoms of a Sore Throat and Strep Throat

Coughing, runny nose, or hoarseness that alters voice quality are signs of a sore throat. In some cases, conjunctivitis or pink eye symptoms may also be present. The majority of people's symptoms go away in a week or two, although they're typically not severe and don't come with a high fever.

The signs of strep throat are enlarged tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, a fever of more than 101°F (38°C), and pain when swallowing.

Causes of a Sore Throat and Strep Throat

Viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat, including rhinoviruses or a respiratory syncytial virus. These viruses can cause other symptoms, such as earaches, a cold, sinus infections, and bronchitis.

The bacteria group A Streptococcus is the most typical cause of strep throat.

How Is a Strep Throat Test Done?

A throat swab is used in a throat culture or strep test to check for the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria. These microbes can also result in other infections (including scarlet fever, abscesses, and pneumonia).

A sample taken from the back of the throat is placed on a specific plate (culture) so that germs can grow there in a laboratory. The culture will be negative, and the patient won't have strep throat, if the germs don't develop.

What Are the Remedies for a Sore Throat?

After pharyngitis has been diagnosed, a patient's healthcare professional may suggest some of the following at-home treatments in addition to any necessary drugs:

● gargle with warm salt water (1 to 5 salt-to-water ratio).

● suck on medicated throat lozenges

● drink warm liquids like a broth soup or honey-lemon tea

● create a mist using a humidifier

● try throat sprays containing phenol

For related body aches and pains, some patients opt to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Consult with your healthcare professional about the safety of the medications for your condition.

Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt is an otolaryngologist with expertise in the surgical and non-surgical management of voice, airway, and swallowing issues. She is well-versed in using surgery or dilatation, as necessary, to address subglottic stenosis . Contact her for more information on effectively treating subglottic stenosis or other voice-related issues.

5 Causes of Chronic Coughing

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:58:34 GMT

Chronic cough is defined as one that lasts for more than eight weeks in adults and four weeks in children. It's one of the most common reasons for doctor's appointments. In fact, a chronic cough affects 11% of the population in the United States. A chronic cough might disrupt your sleep and leave you weary. Severe coughing can result in vomiting, lightheadedness, and even rib fractures. Chronic cough is not an illness in and of itself. It's a symptom of something else wrong with your body.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of chronic coughing.

What Are the Symptoms of a Chronic Cough?

Some chronic cough symptoms are more prevalent and less serious than others, such as

● Postnasal dripping (tickle in the back of your throat)

● A runny or congested nose

● Throat discomfort or regular throat clearing

● Heartburn

● Fever (a temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius)

The following are more serious chronic cough symptoms:

● Weight loss without activity

● Coughing up blood or mucus

● Shortness of breath or wheezing

● Persistent hoarseness

● A soaking sweat overnight

If you experience any of the symptoms above, request an appointment with your doctor today.

What Are the Causes of Chronic Coughing?

The majority of chronic cough instances are caused by one or more of the following factors, either alone or in combination:

1) Asthma

A cough caused by asthma may come and go with the seasons, arise after an upper respiratory tract illness, or worsen when exposed to cold air, certain chemicals, or scents. The predominant symptom of one type of asthma (cough-variant asthma) is a cough.

2) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Stomach acid runs back into the tube that joins your stomach and neck (your esophagus) if you have this illness. Chronic coughing might result from persistent irritation. Coughing aggravates GERD , creating a vicious cycle.

3) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are symptoms of COPD, a chronic inflammatory lung disease that blocks airflow from the lungs. Chronic bronchitis might result in a cough that produces colored sputum. Emphysema causes shortness of breath and damage to the lungs' air sacs (alveoli). The majority of COPD patients are current or previous smokers.

4) Infections

Coughing can continue even after other symptoms of pneumonia, flu, a cold, or other upper respiratory infections have subsided. Pertussis, widely known as whooping cough, is a frequent but under-recognized cause of a chronic cough in adults. Chronic coughs can also be caused by fungal lung infections, tuberculosis (TB), or lung infections involving nontuberculous mycobacterial organisms.

5) Issues With the Larynx

One of the major causes of chronic cough is issues with the larynx .

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Chronic Cough Treated?

Chronic coughing can have a detrimental impact on your life and interrupt your daily routine. You can also become excessively fatigued as a result of your inability to sleep (insomnia). Coughing constantly can also cause muscle pain and even rib fractures.

Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt is an otolaryngologist with expertise in the surgical and non-surgical management of voice, airway, and swallowing issues. She is well-versed in treating a wide range of complex difficulties involving the larynx and vocal cords, which frequently result in chronic cough. Contact her for more information on how to treat chronic coughs effectively.

What Are the Symptoms of Subglottic Stenosis?

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:15:00 GMT

A condition known as subglottic stenosis causes the subglottis (a section of the windpipe located right below the vocal cords), to narrow. Inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue) are typically present in the area.

Who is Affected by Subglottic Stenosis?

Anyone can experience subglottic stenosis. Rarely, this can be congenital or seen in premature infants due to the need for a prolonged breathing tube. This frequently develops due to complications from breathing tubes, inhalational injury, or trauma to the trachea. Other common causes include infection, autoimmune diseases, or vasculitis of the trachea. Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (stenosis without known cause) statistically only affects females (98%), most of whom are white (95%).

How Frequently Does Subglottic Stenosis Occur?

Subglottic stenosis is a rare condition. One out of every 400,000 people experiences it.

How is Subglottic Stenosis Diagnosed?

Since the subglottis is a problematic area for a doctor to view and examine, subglottic stenosis is a challenging diagnosis. Before a diagnosis of subglottic stenosis is obtained, patients frequently undergo ineffective treatment for more prevalent conditions like asthma or even may be diagnosed with anxiety or panic disorder.

Subglottic stenosis is diagnosed with laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy. To check for constriction, an airway camera is inserted. Previously, this procedure was done in the operating room, but thanks to technological advancements, it may now be done in the office once the patient has taken a local anesthetic.

A CT scan may also be used to assess the size of the airway and the degree of constriction.

What are the Causes of Subglottic Stenosis?

● Subglottic stenosis can be congenital (something you are born with) or acquired (usually due to scar tissue).

● The most frequent cause of acquired subglottic stenosis in children and adults is repeated or prolonged intubation (using a breathing tube). This is more likely to develop with a breathing tube for a longer period of time or in diabetics.

● Trauma and irritants to this part of the airway are other causes.

● Subglottic stenosis can also be seen in rare inflammatory conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangititis ( a rare form of vasculitis that restricts blood flow), sarcoidosis and relapsing polychondritis.

What are the Symptoms of Subglottic Stenosis?

Several possible signs and symptoms of subglottic stenosis include:

For Adults

● Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing in)

● Hoarseness

● Breathing difficulty (dyspnea)

● Voice changes

● Increased production of mucus

● Coughing that won't stop

For Babies

Babies who have subglottic stenosis frequently breathe loudly. Additional signs could be:

● Poor weight gain.

● Cyanosis (when the skin has a blue colour)

● Persistent lung infections

● Breathing problems

Some symptoms of subglottic stenosis are comparable to those of bronchitis, asthma, or other disorders that affect the bronchi. As a result, some cases of subglottic stenosis go undiagnosed.

Can Subglottic Stenosis be Cured?

Mild-moderate subglottic stenosis is treatable with outpatient surgery. Surgery includes removing scar tissue with a laser and stretching the scar tissue with a special airway balloon. In office steroid injections can prevent time to recurrence. Recurrences can happen and may call for numerous treatments in the future. Patients with more severe stenosis may require a tracheostomy to stabilize the airway and require a tracheal resection and reconstruction

Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt is a laryngologist with expertise in the surgical and non-surgical management of voice, airway, and swallowing issues. I am well-versed in using surgery or dilatation, as necessary, to address subglottic stenosis. Contact me for more information on effectively treating subglottic stenosis or other voice-related issues.

What Causes Nodules on Your Vocal Cords?

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:15:01 GMT

Vocal nodules are rough, noncancerous growths on your vocal cords. They range in size from a pinhead to a pea. Vocal cord nodules , often known as singer's nodules or “nodes”, are brought on by excessive or improper use of the voice over time. These callous-like growths form in the midpoint of the vocal folds. Under a microscope, these nodules resemble calluses and can have aberrant blood vessels connected to them. Vocal cord nodules can affect both men and women. However, they are more common in women between 15 and 50.

What Causes Vocal Nodules?

The V-shaped tissue bands known as vocal folds or vocal cords run down the middle of your voice box. Your vocal cords vibrate when you speak or sing because the air from your lungs rushes through them.

They may become irritated if you misuse or overuse your voice. The inflamed patches gradually become harder until they resemble little calluses in texture. It'll keep getting bigger if you don't retrain your voice to stop the phonotraumatic behavior. These growths may hinder the normal vibration of your vocal cords. Your voice may be raspy. You may also have “frequent voice loss” that takes a long time to record.

The most common causes of nodules are:

● Long-term vocal abuse

● Allergies or irritants that prompt throat clearing and coughing

● Vocal trauma

Vocal nodules are most likely to affect people who talk or sing a lot, such as coaches, teachers, radio hosts, salespeople, cheerleaders, and preachers. If you find you also talk quite a lot or at loud volumes, you might also find yourself having to deal with vocal nodules.

Symptoms of Vocal Nodules

Nodules on the vocal cords can cause a patient's voice to sound harsh, raspy, or scratchy. There can be frequent voice breaks, a vocal strain that comes easily with use, or a smaller range of vocal tones. More rarely, one can experience pain with speaking due to the increased effort that it requires to talk. Additionally, a person with nodules may have a persistent cough, frequent throat clearing, or general exhaustion.

How Can You Prevent Vocal Cord Nodules?

If you have a problem with your vocal cords, you should:

● be sure to warm your voice before singing or giving a long speech.

● use a microphone whenever possible.

● stop active and passive smoking.

● drink enough water.

● get proper treatment for reflux , sinusitis, allergies, or hypothyroidism.

● limit your intake of coffee and alcohol.

● avoid talking too much or speaking too loudly without enough vocal rest.

● try yoga, cognitive therapy, or stress reduction techniques to relieve muscle tension.

How Are Nodules in the Vocal Cord Treated?

Nodules are typically treated conservatively with voice therapy and behavioral change, both under the direction of a speech-language pathologist and laryngologist. Techniques and approaches to improve vocal function and efficiency are usually provided in voice therapy.

Surgery may be necessary when voice therapy alone cannot address a patient's vocal demands. Contrary to nodules, polyps and cysts are best treated surgically because they frequently do not respond to voice therapy.

Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt is a fellowship trained laryngologist with expertise in the surgical and non-surgical management of voice, airway, and swallowing issues. She has a great deal of knowledge in assisting singers, voice teachers, and other professionals concerning voice care issues. Contact her for more information on how to effectively treat vocal cord nodules.

Understanding What Causes Posterior Glottic Stenosis

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:15:03 GMT

Posterior Glottic Stenosis (PGS) is a condition where the vocal cords are fixed in a midline position due to scar tissue. This causes the glottic airway to narrow down significantly and limits vocal fold abduction and adduction. People with this condition should get treated at the earliest since its effects can be potentially fatal. Here is more information on PGS, its symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options.

What is Posterior Glottic Stenosis?

PGS is a harmful condition where the glottic airway is narrowed. It may be caused by fibrosis or fixation of cricoarytenoid joints (CAJ). The issue is mainly associated with intubation and can limit vocal cord motion. Consequentially, this can lead to voice and breathing problems. PGS may mimic several symptoms of bilateral vocal cord paralysis including voice changes, shortness of breath, and stridor (noisy breathing).

What Causes Posterior Glottic Stenosis

People with respiratory issues often need intubation and ventilatory support. For instance, during the global pandemic, there was a significant increase in the number of people dealing with acute respiratory syndrome. These and other patients suffering from acute respiratory compromise may need intubation. This is the most common cause of PGS. PGS is more common in patients who require high dose steroids, have GERD, are diabetic, or require prolonged or prone intubation. The risk of intubated patients developing stenosis (particularly patients who were intubated for five days or longer) is between 6% and 19%.

More rarely, a variety of autoimmune infectious conditions such as fungal infections, diphtheria, or syphilis can cause PGS.

Treatment Options for Posterior Glottic Stenosis

Stroboscopy is the best technique to determine if the patient is developing PGS.

Additional microbiological tests may also be used to detect the presence of infectious pathogens. The treatment options vary based on the cause and severity of the condition. In general, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.

In most cases, patients need special and individualized treatment plans to treat and manage PGS. This is usually surgical. The most prominent goal of all these treatment options is to optimize the patient’s airway along with the preservation of the patient’s voice and swallowing.

Medical management may be necessary in the case of PGS caused by infections and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, it is also vital to treat and manage the underlying medical condition. Poorly controlled diabetics are the most difficult patients to manage due to wound healing issues.

Surgical treatments for PGS include endoscopic or open scar excisions, posterior cricoid split, and rib grafting.

Early detection and treatment of PGS and its causes are crucial to keep it from worsening. Patients with posterior glottic stenosis may also have stenosis in other sites (below the vocal cords)

Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt specializes in microsurgery for voice and treating conditions related to the trachea and larynx. She has extensive experience in helping singers, voice coaches, and other professionals with voice care problems. If you’d would like to learn more about Posterior Glottic Stenosis, contact her!

What is the Purpose of a Stroboscopy Test?

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:00:00 GMT

A stroboscopy test is one used to help discover what might be causing dysphonic issues—that is, issues that make your voice sound or work unlike how it normally does. Most might not have heard of a stroboscopy test before, and therefore might not be sure what to expect if their doctor suggests getting one done. As such, let us explain what a stroboscopy test is, what to expect when going for it, why your doctor might suggest the test, and look a little more closely at what the purpose of the test is.

What Is a Stroboscopy Test?

A stroboscopy test is when a scope with a flashing light upon it is used to gather information about the current state of your voice box and vocal cords. Two types of scopes can be used in this test: a rigid one (which is put through your mouth to view your voice box and vocal cords) or a thin one (which is put through your nose). The light on the end of the scope then flashes rapidly to collect imaging of your voice box and vocal cords.

You will be kept awake when going for a stroboscopy test. A numbing spray is often offered to make the process a little more comfortable; many patients experience no pain and merely discomfort with this procedure, which the spray can help with. The reason you are kept awake during this test is that your doctor will often ask you to do vocal exercises (talk, yell, sing, etc.) so that they can varied imaging in order to have a good view of your voice box and vocal cords. This allows them to get more information as to what your voice box and vocal cords look like and what might be causing your dysphonic issues.

A stroboscopy test often takes around 30 seconds, and due to the nature of the test, those who have it done can go right back to their regular day afterward. The only exception to this is if you are also getting other procedures done at the same time as the test, such as injections, which would change the length of the required recovery time.

Why Would I Get a Stroboscopy Test?

The entire purpose of a stroboscopy test is to try and get to the root cause of instances of dysphonia , which is the medical term used for when your voice is not sounding or working as it should. Your doctor might suggest this test due to how helpful having imaging of your voice box and vocal cords can be to understanding what might be causing you your dysphonia. If you are noticing more hoarseness than usual, or are experiencing voice loss, your doctor might suggest this test to help discover what is causing your symptoms.

Experiencing dysphonia and want to get it checked out? Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt, MD is ready to help you! She is a fellowship-trained laryngologist and professional voice surgeon in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. With the focus on the complete care of the voice, she will find the underlying cause of your dysphonia and help get you back to perfection. Visit her website or call her at 502-894-8441 for more information today!

What Causes an Esophageal Stricture?

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 16:00:01 GMT

An esophageal stricture is the abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. When the esophagus contracts, it becomes difficult for food to pass through to the stomach. If food is stuck in the esophagus, it could lead to abdominal or chest pain.

Esophageal strictures can be cancerous or benign and require a proper medical diagnosis. In some cases, these strictures can be simple with smooth surfaces and margins. However, some strictures are complex and have uneven surfaces and narrower openings.

If you’d like to learn more about what causes esophageal strictures, please keep reading.

What Causes Esophageal Strictures?

Esophageal strictures can be caused by any condition or treatment that leaves the esophagus scarred or inflamed. Some of these conditions include:

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory esophageal condition that occurs when a certain type of white blood cell count is too high. Some people with this condition tend to develop a narrow esophagus that could make swallowing difficult.

This condition can lead to inflammation of the esophageal lining, which eventually leads to strictures.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder where stomach acids abnormally travel back up the esophagus. When these acids touch the lining of the esophagus, it leaves it inflamed and causes peptic strictures.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably on the esophagus. Over time, these growths can form a tumor. These tumors could cause esophageal strictures and make it difficult to swallow.

Radiation Therapy

Undergoing radiation therapy due to cancers in the head, neck, or chest can cause strictures in the esophagus. These strictures can occur for about one and a half years after the treatment.

Surgery

Having recently undergone esophageal surgery can inflame or scar the lining of the esophagus. The inflammation can also eventually lead to strictures.

Other Causes

Apart from the conditions listed above, there are other reasons for developing esophageal strictures. Any injury in the esophagus that’s causing inflammation could cause strictures. Strictures can also develop from consuming certain medications such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Accidentally swallowing inedible, foreign objects means that they could get stuck in the throat and cause inflammation, also leading to strictures. And in some cases, strictures could be a result of allergies, infections, or ulcers.

Consult a healthcare professional if you think you might have esophageal strictures. They can help determine the root cause of the issue and will educate you on available treatments. As the health professional recommends the most suitable treatment for your condition, you can make an informed decision for your long-term health.

If you’re looking for professional treatment and care for your esophageal strictures, get in touch with Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt, MD . She is a fellowship-trained laryngologist and professional voice surgeon in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. She provides surgical and medical treatment for voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. So if you have questions or concerns about esophageal strictures, feel free to contact her by visiting her website or call her at 502-894-8441.

How Are Vocal Cord Polyps Treated?

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 16:15:01 GMT

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a vocal cord polyp and have been considering treatment options, give this article a read. We highlight some of the treatment options available for vocal cord polyps. Read on to know more.

What Are Vocal Polyps?

The overuse or misuse of your voice may lead to inflammatory changes in the vocal folds. This may even happen after a single episode of abuse of your vocal cords, like cheering at a sports event or even sneezing!

When you have a ruptured capillary in the vocal cord, fluid from the vocal cord may leak out forming a polyp. They may appear as reddish bumps or blisters and can be filled with blood. Polyps are benign in nature, which means that they are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body.

How Do Polyps Differ from Nodules?

Polyps can occur from a single episode of voice misuse. Vocal cord nodules are more likely to be caused by longer-term vocal trauma. Vocal cord nodules are like calluses with thickened skin (epithelium). Polyps are often more vascularized than nodules. Nodules and polyps can affect one or both vocal cords. Both nodules and polyps inhibit the vocal cords from forming a seal to create your voice. They also add weight to the vocal cords so that they do not vibrate as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Vocal Cord Polyps?

A person may experience these issues when they have vocal polyps:

● Hoarseness

● Breathy voice

● Irregular voice

● Vocal fatigue

● Loss of vocal note range

How Are Vocal Polyps Diagnosed?

A stroboscopy, which is a specialized endoscopic exam of the vocal cords, can be performed in office to diagnose vocal cord polyps. Polyps cannot be diagnosed with history alone or without an endoscopy.

How Are Vocal Polyps Treated?

Vocal polyps may be treated in two ways: vocal therapy in the initial stages, and if that doesn’t suffice, a polypectomy is performed. Let us explore these different treatment options in more detail.

Vocal Therapy

Sometimes, vocal fold polyps can be treated with voice therapy. Voice therapy strengthens and promotes the usage of the vocal folds while also coaching the patient on recognizing and avoiding habits that lead to the production of polyps. A speech-language pathologist typically provides this voice therapy.

Medications

There are no medications that reliably remove polyps.

Vocal Polypectomy

When vocal polyps don’t respond well to vocal therapy, surgical intervention may become necessary. A microsurgery known as polypectomy is performed to remove these polyps. It is a minimally-invasive microscopic surgery usually performed as an outpatient procedure.

Talk to your doctor about the treatment options available and make an informed decision to ensure long-term health.

If you’re looking for professional treatment and care for vocal cord polyps, get in touch with Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt, MD. She is a fellowship-trained laryngologist and professional voice surgeon in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. She provides surgical and medical treatment for voice, airway, and swallowing disorders . So if you have questions or concerns about vocal cord polyps, feel free to contact her by visiting her website .

Everything You Need to Know about Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:30:01 GMT

Have you ever experienced heartburn, acid reflux, or nausea after eating too many fatty foods or drinking too much coffee or beer? If yes, then you’re familiar with the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) , where the contents of your stomach reflux into your throat.

However, in some cases, the symptoms of the reflux aren’t obvious and can go undetected for a long time. In addition to acid from your stomach causing throat irritation, other enzymes from the stomach can irritate your voicebox. This is called laryngopharyngeal reflux “(LPR), “silent” reflux, non-acid reflux, or sometimes extra-esophageal reflux disease.

Keep reading to learn more about laryngopharyngeal reflux, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What Is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a medical condition where acid or pepsin from your stomach travels up your esophagus and enters your throat, voice box, and nasal passages. When left untreated, LPR can cause ulcers on your vocal cords, lead to chronic cough, and worsen your asthma or bronchitis.

While anyone can be diagnosed with LPR, you’re more likely to get it as you age. Certain diet and lifestyle choices, such as excessive drinking or tobacco use, overstressing, being overweight, or wearing binding clothing, etc., can make you more vulnerable to LPR.

What Causes Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

There are elastic rings, called sphincters, at either end of your esophagus that prevent your stomach’s contents from refluxing into the throat. When you experience laryngopharyngeal reflux, it means that secretions are pushing past these sphincters.

LPR is quite common amongst infants as they lie down most of the time, and not to mention their sphincters aren’t fully developed until after a year of birth. In adults, the sphincters may not be closing completely or other anatomic changes.

What Are its Symptoms?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in adults may cause some classic symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn or burning sensations in the back of your throat. However, in many cases, it isn’t always easy to identify symptoms of LPR. They can be mistaken as symptoms of other medical conditions.

It takes a qualified medical professional to diagnose you properly. So, if you experience any of the following symptoms, visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

● Chronic cough

● Constant throat clearing

● Difficulty swallowing

● Feeling like you have a lump in your throat

● Hoarseness

● Postnasal drip

● Swollen or irritated larynx

How Can You Treat Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

Doctors usually prescribe medication to ease symptoms of reflux. Antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed to prevent the damage caused by LPR. Other OTC medications include gaviscon advance or reflux gourmet (available on amazon)

Your doctor might also recommend several lifestyle changes for you to implement, including:

● Avoiding food, water, or other beverages for at least two to three hours before bed.

● Removing fatty and spicy foods from your diet

● Propping your head up higher when you sleep

● Minimizing your alcohol consumption

● Quitting smoking

● Following an exercise routine

If you notice some of the common symptoms of reflux disease or any of the symptoms of LPR listed above, contact an otolaryngologist. Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt, MD , is a fellowship-trained laryngologist and professional voice surgeon in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana at Kentuckiana ENT , a Division of ENT Care Centers . She provides surgical and medical treatment for voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. So if you have questions or concerns about laryngopharyngeal reflux, feel free to contact her by visiting her website.

All You Need to Know About Microsurgery for the Voice!

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:45:03 GMT

Our voice gives us the ability to express ourselves and make ourselves heard in the community. For professional singers, voice coaches, marketing professionals and orators, any impact on the voice not only means a personal impediment but great implications on their professional careers.

With recent advances in medicine and technology, it is possible to remove most vocal cord lesions with minimal surgical intervention using Microsurgery techniques. Here’s all you need to know about microsurgery for the voice.

What Is Microsurgery for Voice?

Voice related problems are common among professional singers, voice coaches, teachers, marketing professionals and more. Microsurgery is often recommended to these individuals to correct the problem. However, there are several things to know about the care, risks and complications of microsurgery before making the choice.

Microsurgery for voice, commonly called Microlaryngoscopy or Laryngeal microsurgery, is a minimally invasive procedure performed on the vocal cords. This procedure requires the use of specialized instruments or lasers to treat any lesion of benign or malignant nature affecting the vocal cords.

Why Is Microsurgery Suggested?

Vocal cord tissue is extremely delicate. Their ability to of this delicate tissue to vibrate facilitates voice production. Lesions like tumors, cysts, nodules or polyps hamper the normal vibration of the vocal cord and may cause hoarseness. A Laryngeal Microsurgery can be performed to correct this condition.

Who Is More Likely to Be Suggested to Undergo Microsurgery for Voice?

People with high vocal demand experience frequent collisions between the vocal cord ("phonotrauma"), which leads to the development of lesions on the vocal cord.

People at a higher risk of developing phonotrauma are:

• Singers

• Voice coaches

• Educators and teachers

• Marketing professionals

• Orators or debaters

• Anyone who has to use their voice for their job

An expert vocal care professional like Dr Elizabeth Burckardt can help you identify minor vocal issues at the onset and prescribe ways to correct them effectively.

How Is Microsurgery for Voice Performed?

Laryngeal microsurgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed as a minor outpatient surgery. The procedure is performed by:

• Placing a laryngoscope through your mouth so that the vocal cords can be easily visible.

• The area of the lesion is illuminated and magnified with a microscope.

• Surgeons use tiny instruments or a laser to remove the damaged tissue.

• A healthy epithelial layer is left intact over the vocal cord for it to heal and function normally.

About the Procedure

Type of Surgery: Minimally invasive

Procedure duration: 10 to 45 minutes

Type of anesthesia: General anesthesia

Hospital stay: Patient is usually discharged on the same day of the procedure.

Care Post Microsurgery for Voice

• Your surgeon may suggest 5 to 7-days rest to your vocal cords.

• Avoid any foods that cause acid reflux while healing

• Stay hydrated

• Speech therapy or exercises may be recommended to help by strengthen your vocal cords.

Risks and Complications of Microsurgery for the Voice

A microsurgery procedure for voice is a high precision procedure performed on the delicate tissue. So there are risks involved, but they are rare. An expert surgeon can minimize if not eliminate these risks to a good extent.

The risks involved with microsurgery for voice are rare, but some patients may notice:

• Chipped or cracked teeth

• Numbness or tingling in the tongue area

• Change in taste

• Burns or cuts in the adjoining area

• Persistence or recurrence hoarseness of voice, especially if caused by smoking

• Difficulty in swallowing

Dr Elizabeth Burckardt is a specialist trained in microsurgery for voice and care for the trachea and larynx. She has worked consistently to correct and rehabilitate voice concerns amongst famous professional singers, voice coaches, and other professionals. So if you have questions or concerns about microsurgery feel free to contact her by visiting her website.

Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 21:02:08 GMT

Picture it: you are a motivational speaker and have noticed that your voice has been sounding a little off recently. Most of the time you can get through your speeches without any issues but have found that at the end of your presentations your voice cracks, and it feels difficult to keep talking at your regular volume. After discussing it with a fellow motivational speaker and close friend, they suggested that you might want to talk to a physician about muscle tension dysphonia, or MTD.

But what is MTD, and how is it treated?

Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Definition

Muscle tension dysphonia is a noticeable change in either the sound or feel of your voice and is a result of excessive muscle tension in and around the voice box. MTD presents due to repeated tension or strain that could be caused by irritants in the air, other diseases such as laryngitis, or merely stress, among other causes. Once the cause is removed MTD can still remain due to the daily nature of vocal use.

Professions that require higher vocal demands such as public speakers, singers, call center employees, or teachers can more commonly deal with cases of MTD and other vocal issues.

What Are The Symptoms?

You may have MTD if any of these common MTD symptoms are present:

● Your voice is raspy, gravelly, or hoarse.

● Your voice is weak, quiet, or otherwise difficult to hear.

● It sounds as if you’re having difficulty speaking.

● Your voice cuts out, changes pitch, drops off, or otherwise fades.

● Your voice lacks endurance/weakens the longer it is used.

● You have difficulty singing notes that used to be easy to reach.

● You have experienced a change, upwards or downwards, in pitch.

● You feel pain or pressure when singing or speaking.

Common Treatment Types

Typical treatment options to help with MTD involve going to a speech-language pathologist for voice therapy. Other physical treatments might be suggested, such as seeing a masseuse, acupuncturist, or physiotherapist to help with tension release while taking part in voice therapy.

Seeing a physician if you believe you have MTD is wise, as they can not only refer you to the speech-language pathologist but also recommend further aid and provide resources to help with MTD.

Preventative Measures

One of the best ways to avoid any condition that results from prolonged use is to take a preemptive approach. If you know your lifestyle lends itself to the high use of your voice box, take the time to be proactive by warming up both your voice and body before prolonged periods of use. Whether it be through warming up your physical body or personal massage/breathing techniques , preparing yourself ahead of time can help to lower the risk level of developing muscle tension dysphonia.

Listen to your body: it will tell you what feels good and what needs attention to let you know if your preventative measures are working, or if you require more (or less) repetitions to keep yourself fit as a fiddle.

Have you been experiencing any of the symptoms listed above? Are you looking for an MD to efficiently treat your muscle tension dysphonia? Visit LouisvilleVoice to explore the extensive options available along with and get the best treatment for your problem.

What Is Vocal Cord Paralysis?

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 01:08:36 GMT

Vocal cords and tiny flexible muscles inside our voice box (or larynx). They open while breathing and close tightly while swallowing. While speaking or singing, they close, and the lungs send air through them, making them vibrate and produce sound. They are vital for speech, breathing, and swallowing. When one or both the cords remain immobile, it is termed vocal cord paralysis.

Read on to learn more symptoms of vocal cord paralysis and treatments.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis:

When both the vocal cords are paralyzed, they can remain close together, narrowing the airway and making it difficult to breathe. Some patients may have noisy breathing (stridor). The vocal cords may also have compromised protective functions of preventing food, drinks, and saliva into the lungs.

Paralysis of both vocal cords is more serious than a single cord paralysis.

Unilateral vocal Cord paralysis:

Different symptoms include:

● Hoarse or breathy voice

● Vocal pitch loss

● Failure to speak loudly

● Need for frequent stops to breathe while speaking

● Frequent cleaning of the throat or feelings of phlegm in throat

● Ineffective cough

● Recurrent aspiration

Causes of vocal cord paralysis:

Nerve damage during surgery near the neck or upper chest or thyroid or parathyroid gland or esophageal surgery.
Viral infections
Some types of cancer
Injury on the neck or chest, which causes trauma to the nerves serving the vocal cords/voice box
Intubation with a breathing tube
There is a possibility that a stroke can cause this, as it interrupts the flow of blood in the brain, damaging the part of the brain that sends signals to the voice box
Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease
Idiopathic, meaning no source can be identified

Treatment Options for unilateral vocal cord paralysis:

Voice therapy: Working with a speech language pathologist that specializes in voice to help improve your vocal efficiency
Vocal cord injection: A filler may be injected using a needle to close the gap between vocal cords. This can be performed in the office or in the operating room.
Laryngeal framework surgery: An implant is placed in the voice box to hold the paralyzed vocal cord in place permanently
Arytenopexy : Repositioning the paralyzed vocal cord joint into better position with a permanent suture

A common misconception about vocal cord paralysis is that you must wait 1 year after onset of symptoms to intervene. Interventions can be performed as early as the day after a vocal cord paralysis to improve your voice.

Treatment options for bilateral vocal cord paralysis:

Observation : Not everyone with bilateral vocal cord paralysis needs intervention if they are managing their airway safely and not getting aspiration pneumonia.
Cordectomy or Arytenoidectomy : Removing a small piece of one or both vocal cords in order to improve the size of the airway. This may sometimes come with the risk of a worsening voice or swallowing.
Tracheostomy : Insertion of a tube into the windpipe by making an incision. The tube opens the airway and helps with breathing.

Conclusion:

Vocal cord paralysis can be a serious condition, so it is important to get it treated by a reputed medical practitioner such as Elizabeth Burckardt, MD, with a successful track record in the same field. LouisvilleVoice has offered various treatment options for helping people in recovery and reducing pain caused by the voice paralysis condition.

Looking for an MD to efficiently treat voice paralysis? Visit LouisvilleVoice to explore the extensive options available along with and get the best treatment for your problem.

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The Difference between Vocal Cord Dysfunction and Asthma

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 18:24:13 GMT

Even though vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and asthma have many similarities, they are different conditions.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a disorder that affects the mobility of the vocal cords. During normal breathing, our vocal cords open to allow air to move into our lungs. With VCD, the vocal cords fail to open, limiting air flow and causing airway blockage. Patients may even develop a ‘noisy breathing sound’ from their neck called stridor.

This condition has many terminologies, such as laryngeal dysfunction, irritable larynx syndrome, paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) disorder, etc. In this article, we will dive into the commonalities and contrasts between VCD and asthma so you can better spot the difference and know when to consult a physician.

What are the Symptoms of VCD?

Some of the symptoms of VCD are:

● Shortness of air with particular difficulty getting a breath in

● Stridor - a high pitched whistling sound from the neck

● Symptoms are not constant. A common trigger is strong scents.

● Changes in voice during an episode

On the other hand, asthma is when the airway becomes inflamed, produces mucus, muscles get swollen, and the airway becomes narrower, making it harder to breathe.

Some of the symptoms of asthma are:

● Shortness of breath

● Wheezing upon exhalation - a high pitched sound from the chest

● Coughing, especially along with colds, exercise, at night or with other triggers

● Chest tightness

Asthma and VCD share many common symptoms. They can also have common precipitating triggers such as breathing irritants, acid reflux, exercising, or infection of the airway.

Asthma is an immune reaction triggered by an allergy, which is not the case with VCD. People with VCD have more difficulty breathing in than breathing out.

Due to the similarities, VCD is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Additionally, some people with asthma may also have an underlying condition of VCD, making it even harder to diagnose.

Treatment for VCD

Even with all these similarities, the treatment approach for VCD is entirely different from asthma. Asthma medications do not work on people with VCD. Treatment for VCD involves deep breathing exercises and speech therapy . For asthma, medical treatment such as inhalers is required to reduce the inflammation and widen the airway.

Getting accurately diagnosed is crucial for both of these conditions so that proper treatment can be given accordingly. Otherwise, misdiagnosis of VCD with asthma can often worsen the symptoms, which in turn leads to inappropriately higher treatment with anti-asthma medicines.

The best way to diagnose VCD is a fiberoptic laryngoscopy, which helps see the vocal cords. But, the changes in the muscles of the vocal cords are only visible while the symptoms are occurring. So to make a proper diagnosis, triggering factors, like exercise, should be introduced so the vocal cord changes can be observed.

Most of the cases of VCD go undiagnosed because of all these reasons and difficulty in diagnosis. By increasing the awareness of vocal cord disorders, people can properly be diagnosed and receive the necessary treatment to recover.

If you're looking for professional voice care services in Kentuckiana, contact Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt today! Dr. Burckardt and her team are happy to help patients learn more about treatment options available for VCD.

FAQ: The Benefits of Professional Voice Care

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:14:56 GMT

Whether your voice is required for your profession or not, anyone can benefit from professional voice care. You may think that only singers or vocalists use their voices in their professions, but that's not always the case. Those who work as professional speakers, teachers, attorneys, telemarketers, or clergies, to name a few, also use their voices professionally and therefore stand to benefit from professional voice care.

What Is Professional Voice Care?

Professional voice care is mainly involved with the diagnosis and treatment of vocal conditions , from vocal fold polyps to vocal muscle tension. When seeing a laryngologist for professional voice care, you can expect a diagnosis through imaging tests or a videostroboscopy of the larynx, as well as treatment that may vary from vocal surgery to behavioral therapy.

Professional voice care can also be preventative, and you do not have to wait for a vocal injury to see a laryngologist. A lot of professionals who use their voice may find that their quality of voice improves with the treatment of allergies or acid reflux that they might have been unaware of. Other professionals who find their voices tire quickly may experience vocal tension relief from naturopathic options , such as the use of teas or by gargling hydrating mixtures.

Why Do Professionals Need Voice Care?

Anyone who suffers from vocal injury benefits greatly from voice care treatments, even if the person is not a professional who relies on their voice. However, professionals who do rely on their voice will find that, without vocal injury treatment, the quality of their voice will deteriorate with time and continued vocal use. These professionals with a vocal injury can injure themselves further without treatment during work—just as an athlete who does not treat a torn ligament can injure themselves further during a competition.

What Are the Benefits of Professional Voice Care?

Besides treating vocal injuries that would otherwise worsen, professional voice care offers individuals the chance to achieve a healthy and improved quality of voice. Getting professional voice care can help your throat to feel more relaxed and comfortable when your voice is being used. Additionally, in the long run, vocal injuries can be prevented by focusing on strengthening the larynx and adding more hydration to the throat on a daily basis.

What Are the Signs of a Vocal Injury?

Anyone can begin preventative professional voice care at any time; however, when vocal injuries present themselves, professional voice care should be sought right away. Some signs of a vocal injury include:

● A sudden decrease in vocal quality.

● New deepness of the voice.

● New feelings of stress or scratchiness in the throat, especially when speaking.

Awake Laser Treatment of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)

elizabethburckardt@gmail.com (Elizabeth Burckardt) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 17:05:48 GMT

With the advent of several new innovations and heightened technological advances, it’s now easier than ever for otolaryngologists and voice doctors to provide treatment quickly and safely. One of the new developments that can be successfully used to treat recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is awake laser treatment for the larynx.

What Is Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis?

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare chronic disease characterized by recurrent tumors (non-cancerous) or wart-like growths in the respiratory tract, primarily in the larynx and trachea. These growths are called papillomas and are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The symptoms of RRP can differ based on the location of the growths. If present in the vocal cords, it will likely cause voice changes, and if the lesions become too large it could cause breathing problems.

How Is Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Treated?

The main treatment for RRP is usually surgery through the mouth to remove the diseased tissue. This is typically done using a KTP laser due to its ability to selectively target tissues. Since papilloma needs a large blood supply to grow, it contains more blood vessels than regular, undiseased tissue, allowing the KTP laser to easily remove the diseased tissue while preserving healthy vocal cord membranes.

This procedure takes place in the operating room, after which it can be easily managed with awake laser treatment.

What Is Awake Laser Treatment?

Although surgery treats the symptoms of RRP by removing the growths, it does not resolve the underlying cause which is the HPV infection. This infection can persist in the tissues even after removal of the growths, which is where postoperative, office-based treatment can help.

Awake laser treatment is a safe and efficient procedure that can help treat recurring papilloma with the patient being completely awake. Awake laser surgeries are done using a flexible laryngoscope and a laser fiber with local anesthesia (numbing spray) in a procedure room. The laser fiber directs a green light KTP laser to target the blood supply to the growth.

Throughout the process, the patient can remain awake and even interact with the surgeon.

Benefits of Awake Laser Treatment

● Safe for high-risk patients. Awake laser treatment does not require general anesthesia, making it a safe option for older patients with cardiac disorders or other complications that might cause them to react badly to general anesthesia.

It is also a viable procedure for patients with severe cervical spondylosis or trismus , for example, which can make it difficult to use conventional micro-instruments.

● Quick and painless. The procedure itself can be conducted relatively quickly, with no pain involved.

● No recovery time. Awake laser treatments remove the need for recovery time since there is no general anesthesia used. The patient can eat in one hour after the procedure and even drive home on their own.

● Lower cost. Since there is no need for an operating room or general anesthesia, awake laser treatment is less costly.

Awake laser treatment is an extremely viable treatment option to treat several kinds of benign and precancerous growths in the larynx. Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt and her team are one of the first to offer awake laser treatment in the Kentuckiana area. To learn more, contact us today!

Transoral Laser Surgery Using KTP Laser Treatment for Vocal Cord Cancer

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:23:48 GMT

Although the prevalence of vocal cord or laryngeal cancer is only 2–5% among all cancers , it has a devastating effect on those diagnosed with it and accounts for around 200,000 deaths worldwide.

Currently, one of the prominent treatments for vocal cord cancer is transoral laser surgery. Unlike radiation therapy, which targets both cancerous and healthy cells, laser surgery provides a quick and seamless cure without the side effects of radiation .

What Is Transoral Laser Surgery?

Transoral laser surgery using a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser is a minimally invasive technique that directly targets the growth of cancer cells. Cancer cells require blood vessels to grow , which is a process called angiogenesis. To inhibit this, transoral laser surgery uses a KTP laser (also called a “photoangiolytic” laser) to directly target the blood vessels in cancer cells, while preserving the healthy tissue in the vocal cords.

The laser operates using ultra-narrow margins under a microscope, which allows the surgeon to gradually remove the layers of cancerous tissue over the healthy tissue.

How Does KTP Treatment Work?

As a minimally invasive treatment, the KTP laser procedure is done without any incisions. The patient is put under general anesthesia, and a laryngoscope is inserted into the throat to view the vocal cords. The surgery is then conducted through the mouth while using a microscope.

Unlike the CO ₂ laser treatment for laryngeal cancer—which cuts around a margin of healthy tissue—the KTP laser methodically targets tissues with high blood vessel content, like cancer cells. This technique is referred to as photoablation .

Most early-stage laryngeal cancer cells have more mass in their center as opposed to their periphery—which is the layer in contact with the healthy vocal cord tissue. The photoablation technique used in KTP laser treatment precisely maps out the cancer cells with ultra-narrow margins to save as much non-cancerous tissue on the vocal fold without compromising on treatment.

How Effective Is KTP Treatment?

KTP treatment has the same cure rate for early vocal cord cancer as radiation therapy and CO ₂ laser surgery. Studies found that with KTP treatment, over 96% of patients had no recurrence of their cancer or loss of their larynx post-treatment.

Additionally, KTP may also result in better voice outcomes compared to other endoscopic surgical techniques, with a reduced need for post-treatment surgical reconstruction.

What Is the Post-operative Procedure for KTP Treatment?

KTP laser treatment is an outpatient surgery so patients will not need any hospitalization to recover. While they can eat right after the procedure, they will have to be on a soft diet for up to two weeks. They will also be required to avoid any foods that could trigger gastric reflux, such as anything greasy, spicy, acidic, or with caffeine.

Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt sees her patients 6–8 weeks after the initial surgery for a post-op follow-up. Thereafter, patients will need to return to the clinic every 6 weeks for a year to ensure there are no remaining issues. Any other appointments after the initial year will be spaced out.

If you are looking for comprehensive voice care in the Kentuckiana area, get in touch with Dr. Elizabeth Burckardt . Dr. Burckardt is the first person in Kentucky to use state-of-the-art KTP laser surgery to treat vocal cord cancer. Contact us today to learn more!

When should I see a voice specialist about hoarseness?

Mon, 24 May 2021 01:20:02 GMT

What is hoarseness?

Dysphonia, or impaired voice production, is sometimes called “hoarseness.” Dysphonia describes your impaired voice production. Hoarseness is a symptom of a change in your voice quality. Health care providers will use the clinical term dysphonia, but patients and the public use the more common term hoarseness.

Dysphonia is very common. It affects nearly one-third of the population at some point in their lives. Dysphonia is characterized by a change in voice quality, pitch (how high or low the voice is), volume (loudness), or vocal effort that makes it difficult to communicate as judged by a health care provider, and it may affect your quality of life.

The symptom of hoarseness is related to problems in the sound-producing parts (vocal cords or folds) of the voice box or larynx. Your voice may have a raspy, weak, or airy quality that makes it hard for you to make smooth vocal sounds.

What causes hoarseness?

Dysphonia is a symptom common to many diseases. Most dysphonia (hoarseness) is related to upper respiratory tract infection and goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days. You may have a serious medical condition that requires further evaluation by a Laryngologist (voice specialist). The most common causes of hoarseness are:

Common cold, upper respiratory tract infection
Voice overuse leading to muscle tension
Voice overuse leading to phonotraumatic lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules)
Acid reflux
Autoimmune disease
Allergic laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx due to allergies)
Smoking and secondhand smoke
Head and neck cancer
Medication side effects
Age-related changes
Neurological conditions (examples: Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Intubation (process of inserting a tube through the mouth and into the airway)
Postsurgical injury (particularly following chest or neck procedures)

When should I see a voice specialist about hoarseness?

Your hoarseness does not go away or get better in 7 to 10 days, especially if you smoke
You do not have a cold or flu
You are coughing up blood
You have difficulty swallowing
You feel a lump in your neck
You observe loss or severe changes in your voice that last longer than a few days
You experience pain when speaking or swallowing
Your voice change comes with uneasy breathing or noisy breathing
Your hoarseness makes your work hard to do
You are a vocal performer (singer, teacher, lawyer, public speaker) and cannot do your job