Hoarseness

Hoarseness is the term often used by patients to report a change in their voice quality. Dysphonia altered vocal quality, pitch , loudness or vocal effort that impairs communication as assessed by a clinician and /or affects the quality of life

Seen frequently in primary care Lifetime prevalence of 30 % Rates higher among females and among those > 70 yrs Significant treatment costs- can be comparable to those spent on treating chronic conditions as COPD , asthma, diabetes and allergic rhinitis Can have considerable impact for those affected○ social isolation○ depression and anxiety○ missed work - lost wages○ lifestyle changes People in vocations with high vocal demand -↑↑ed risk eg○ singers and entertainers○ legal professionals○ teachers○ call center workers○ aerobic instructors○ clergy○ coaches

H/o URTI Chest infections Reflux Occupation Steroid inhaler use and all medications list Recent surgery ( head and neck ) intubation Recent excessive voice use ( eg screaming during a match ) Smoking and alcohol Is it constant or there are periods of normal voiceDysphonia due to mass lesions will be constant and unremitting Check about other head and neck complains asdyspnoea , stridor , dysphagia , odynophagia , otalgia , sore throat and pain when...