Archive:
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- 2011
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- Dr. Alvi (5)
- sinusitis (6)
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- Barrington ENT (2)
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- hoarseness (1)
- voice vocal cords (1)
- Barrington office ent (1)
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- barrington eye doctor (1)
- Keith Urban voice (1)
- elgin ent (1)
Keith Urban, the famous country singer, will have throat surgery to remove a vocal cord polyp, according to Fox News. A vocal cord polyp often causes hoarseness, clearing of the throat, and changes in voice pitch with limited range. This can be devastating to people who use their voice extensively such as singers, customer service representatives, and teachers. Vocal cord polyps can occur from voice overuse, from a history of laryngitis, smoking, acid reflux and sometimes can occur with no apparent reason. Other lesions of the vocal cords can look like a vocal cord polyp such as vocal cord nodules , infection, and even cancer. An ENT exam in the office with an endoscope can diagnose the problem. This exam is called a flexible or rigid laryngoscopy, and is painless. It is done with only a topical anesthetic spray and takes only several minutes. A video is used to show the patient what their vocal cords actually look like.
Treatment varies depending on the actual type of lesion. Voice rest, hydration, speech/voice therapy can improve the voice in many patietnts. Sometimes, medications such as antibiotics, steroids, anti-reflux medications can help. However, some lesions such as polyps may require surgery. This is often done as an outpatient setting and under general anesthesia. The technique varies from using a forceps to excise the lesion to removal with microscope and laser. Generally, the patient just has a mild throat and can go home the same day. They usually can return to work the next day, provided they don't use their voice extensively. Usually the voice can return back to normal range in a few days to weeks.
Lesson to learn: changes in voice that persist should be evaluated by a doctor.