Hoarseness and Throat Disorders

Whether you suffer from laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, dysphagia, laryngitis, voice disorders or any other throat condition, we are your Jacksonville, FL team to help you with proper diagnosis and the latest treatments. Learn more about our providers at Snowden ENT, including Dr. Todd Snowden.

Types of Throat Issues

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

As we age, certain dietary habits, stress, tighter clothing, and other factors can cause Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, also known as LPR. This condition causes stomach acid to travel backwards through the esophagus and into the throat. Common symptoms for LPR include mild hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in one’s throat, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and more.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is the short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) inflammation of your larynx and vocal chords. This condition can be caused by overuse, irritation, or infection. Most cases are not serious and are caused by a temporary viral infection and resolve in less than a few weeks. Symptoms can range from hoarseness to a tickling sensation in your throat, and can be treated by resting one’s voice and drinking plenty of fluids.

Hoarseness / Hoarse voice

If you have a scratchy, rough, or husky voice, you may have dysphonia or a hoarse voice. This is a very common condition often caused by using your voice too much, colds or sinus infections, or laryngitis and other related conditions, and is not typically serious. A strained or raspy voice and changes in pitch are common symptoms, and this can be treated through rest and hydration.

Vocal cord nodules or polyps

Vocal cord nodules or polyps can be caused by overuse or straining of the vocal cords, smoking, allergies, hypothyroidism, and more. Hoarseness, vocal fatigue, frequent coughing, and breathiness are common symptoms, which can be mitigated by vocal therapy, modifying lifestyle behaviors like drinking or smoking, and the treatment of other underlying medical problems.

Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

Pain while swallowing, regurgitation, and frequent coughing and choking can all be signs of a swallowing disorder. When the esophagus experiences a loss of motility, contraction, or feels narrow, the flow of your initial digestion is interrupted and can cause problems. 

Dysphagia can also stem from issues with your nerves or allergies, and there are several types of swallowing disorders caused by other factors. Treatment plans can include medication of underlying conditions, swallowing-retraining therapy, diet modification, or through endoscopic procedure options.

Throat cancer

Throat cancer is an unfortunate growth of cancerous cells in the throat or voice box. Symptoms can include changes in your voice, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, a lump in one’s throat, and weight loss. It’s important to know that this type of cancer is treatable through radiation, targeted drug therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and more. Talk to your ear, nose and throat doctor to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.