Voice & Swallowing Disorders – Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield

Del Rey MD provides a wide range of diagnoses and treatments for voice and swallowing disorders. Since every patient is different, consulting with the experienced physicians at Del Rey MD, who can properly diagnose and treat your symptoms, is important to finding long-term relief.

Voice Disorders

Dysphonia is a medical term for voice disorders and hoarseness. If you have voice changes that persist for more than 2-4 weeks after an illness, you need to be evaluated to rule out more serious medical conditions, such as vocal cord polyps or cancer. Dysphonia may be accompanied by a dry, scratchy throat, or sore throat. A voice disorder can happen for a variety of reasons, which include:

  • Vocal cord damage
  • Overuse
  • Certain types of infections
  • Neurological disorders

It is equally important to note that if you do develop a sore throat, it does not automatically mean you have an underlying swallowing disorder. That is why it is important to seek consultation with an experienced physician who can properly diagnose and treat your symptoms.

Swallowing Disorders:

Swallowing is a complex action requiring the involvement of the brain, nervous system, throat, esophagus and more than 25 different muscles. When people have difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, it could signal a serious underlying condition, such as autoimmune disease or cancer. Even if there is no underlying serious condition, a swallowing disorder can cause frequent aspiration of food or drink, which could lead to lung scarring or even asphyxiation.

The doctors at Del Rey MD are experts in diagnosing swallowing disorders and are leading experts in the most advanced treatments for voice and swallowing problems. We utilize the latest technologies available in diagnostic procedures including FEES (FiberOptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing), FEESST (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing) and TNE (TransNasal Esophagoscopy).

FAQ

What Are The Common Symptoms of Voice Disorders?

Voice disorders are conditions that affect a person’s ability to speak properly. Some of the most common vocal disorder symptoms include:

  • A raspy voice, ongoing or intermittent
  • Breathy voice
  • Loss of vocal range
  • Frequent need to clear your throat
  • The feeling of a lump in your throat

Which Medical Conditions Can Cause a Voice or Swallowing Disorder?

Some of the most common medical conditions that can cause voice or swallowing disorders are strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS. In other cases, the natural aging process can cause issues with swallowing or your voice.

Can Lifestyle Choices Improve a Voice or Swallowing Disorder?

If your symptoms are caused by smoking, alcohol intake, or acid reflux, then yes, your symptoms may resolve on their own. In addition, not straining your voice can also help resolve your symptoms if they are related to overuse. If your symptoms are related to dietary choices, cutting out certain foods and beverages may help.

Can Swallowing and Voice Disorders Affect People of All Ages?

Yes, swallowing and voice disorders can affect people of all ages. However, the treatment may vary based on the cause and the age of the patient.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have been suffering from swallowing issues or changes in your voice, we can help. Contact Del Rey MD to schedule an appointment today. You can reach us by phone by calling one of our offices in Marina Del Rey (310-773-5986), Long Beach (562-291-3272), and Bakersfield (661-695-8627).

Get in Touch

  • * All indicated fields must be completed.
    Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Accessibility Toolbar