Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of dysphonia (hoarseness). Family history What is the general health of your relatives? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession? Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long has the hoarseness … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Medical History
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Laryngocele – dilated blind sac located in the larynx. Respiratory system (J00-J99) Acute laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). Chronic hyperplastic/atrophic laryngitis – form of chronic laryngitis. Epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis). Laryngeal abscess – encapsulated collection of pus on the larynx. Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) – spread of inflammation … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Lymph node stations in the neck including palpation [lymphadenopathy (lymph node enlargement)?] Thyroid gland incl. Palpation (palpation) [thyroid carcinoma (thyroid cancer)] Auscultation … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Examination
Laboratory diagnostics are usually not required for only short-term hoarseness. Second-order laboratory parameters-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters-for differential diagnostic clarification. Throat swab/culture – for suspected diphtheria, streptococcal infections. Antistreptolysin titer (ASL) – detectable about 1-3 weeks after the onset of streptococcal infection; about 6 weeks after infection, … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Test and Diagnosis
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Laryngoscopy (laryngoscopy). Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Laryngostroboscopy (laryngeal stroboscopy) – assessment of vocal fold function during phonation: regular stroboscopic examinations allow early detection of infiltrative vocal fold processes. Mucosal changes that infiltrate … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with dysphonia (hoarseness): Leading symptom Dysphonia (= voice disorder, which is represented by a rough, impure or busy voice with altered sound pattern). Accompanying symptoms Fever Sore throat Lymphadenopathy (enlargement of lymph nodes) Redness of the pharyngeal mucosa Feeling sick Cough, cold Dyspnea (shortness of breath) Pain … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Therapy target Freedom from symptoms Therapy recommendations Therapy is based on the underlying disease. For prolonged hoarseness (> 3 weeks), the clarification of the exact cause should always be in the foreground. Measures / traditional home remedies that often provide relief: Spare voice; in the presence of acute laryngitis (laryngitis; see under the disease of … Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Therapy
