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Voice abuse

See also
1. Hoarseness
Risk Factors
1. Children (screamers)
2. Cheerleaders
3. Singers
4. Workers in noisy environments
5. Teachers
6. Lawyers
Symptoms
1. Hoarseness
2. Upper neck pain
3. Pharyngitis
4. Symptoms exacerbated by speaking or singing
Signs: Vocal cord findings
1. Vocal Cord Nodules ("Singers Nodules")
2. Vocal Cord Polyps (associated with smoke exposure)
3. Contact ulcers
Management
1. Maximize rest
2. Maintain adequate hydration over 64 ounces per day
3. Avoid provocative factors
  1. Avoid breathing polluted air
  2. Avoid Tobacco or Marijuana
  3. Avoid Alcohol or drugs
  4. Avoid loud speaking (sporting event, bar, airport)
  5. Do not vocalize while yawning
  6. Avoid constant throat clearing
  7. Avoid excessive whispering
  8. Avoid modifying natural speaking voice
  9. Avoid excessive voice use during Laryngitis
  10. Avoid exacerbating medications
    1. Corticosteroids
    2. Drying medications
      1. Coffee
      2. Tricyclic Antidepressants
References
1. Rosen (1998) Am Fam Physician 57(11):2775

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/16/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.