Laryngology is the study of larynx disorders and their treatment. The larynx is the point where your digestive and respiratory tracts intersect. Furthermore, it also contains the vocal cords. The larynx regulates the breathing, swallowing, and vocal production process. Your larynx may develop various abnormal functions and disorders. The study and treatment of these conditions are laryngology. Based on the function that the health condition disrupts, the disorders fall into three categories, which are:
- Swallowing disorders
- Airways disorders
- Voice care
If you experience any problem with your larynx, you should visit an ENT specialist. Do you live in New York City? Ear, Nose, and Throat of New York include one of the best ENT programs with experienced ENT surgeons in New York. Upon your visit, our experts will determine the condition after diagnosis and will guide you about your disorder. They will recommend the best treatment depending on the severity of the disorder.
Laryngology and Advanced Treatments
For a few years, the healthcare sector has been radically growing. Researchers are consistently conducting research and introducing new and advanced technology. Similarly, ENT experts are introducing new techniques for imaging and treating larynx disorders. With these tools, specialists can accurately diagnose and examine larynx problems. These techniques include state-of-the-art laser surgery, micro-instrumentation, and other invasive and non-invasive treatments.
What Does Laryngology Include?
Larynx disorders may cause difficulty swallowing, vocal dysfunction, or breathing problems. An ENT specialist will treat larynx problems by examining your larynx, throat, esophagus, vocal cord, and aerodigestive tract. Below we will understand some health conditions related to the larynx:
1. Dysphagia or Difficulty Swallowing
Dysphagia is a condition wherein you experience pain or difficulty while swallowing foods, liquids, or saliva. You will feel like something is blocking your chest or throat. This will lead you to choke and cough frequently. With time, the condition gets worse, and you won’t be able to swallow food. You will also develop other medical problems such as weight loss.
Upon your visit to an ENT clinic, the specialist will evaluate your condition and suggest suitable treatment. The best treatments include diet changes, medication, posture changes, and workout sessions. These treatments and therapies aim to improve coordination and strengthen facial muscles.
2. Voice Changes
Some people develop a change in their vocal pitch, quality, and volume that is not normal with their gender and age. This may indicate that they are suffering from a voice disorder. Your voice may change due to various reasons, including inflammation of the throat. The treatment of this condition depends on the actual cause. Therefore, you need to visit an expert ENT doctor for a diagnosis. The treatment options for voice change include surgery, injections, or medication. You may also undergo speech therapy or lifestyle changes.
3. Vocal Cord Polyps and Nodules
Vocal cord polyps, cysts, or nodules are cancerous bodies that grow near your throat. If you develop a hoarse, breathy, or raspy sounding voice, visit an ENT specialist. You may also cut in and cracks in your voice. This usually happens because of bumps that disrupt the vibration of your vocal cords. An experienced ENT surgeon will use diagnostic tools to identify the damage. They may perform surgery to treat this condition if necessary.
4. Sensation in the Throat
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or other similar conditions can cause foreign body sensations. In this health issue, you will feel like something is blocking your throat. When you experience this sensation, visit an ENT specialist. They will examine your throat and check if everything is normal. They will also screen the esophagus and upper aerodigestive tract.
5. Recurrent Tonsillitis
Treatment from tonsillitis also comes under laryngology. Even though you can seek relief with antibiotics, tonsillitis will develop again when you stop taking the medication. Surgery is the best option to treat this condition. An ENT surgeon will remove tonsils by making a tiny cut in your throat. Besides recurring tonsillitis, the doctor may also suggest surgery for bacterial tonsillitis or chronic tonsillitis. Proper treatment with antibiotics is possible, but it depends on the severity of the condition.
6. Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones are yellow or white formations around your throat region. You may grow tonsil stones because of chronic tonsillitis. When the food, saliva, or dead cells buildup near your tonsils, you will develop these stones. Symptoms include ear pain, swallowing difficulty, sore throat, bad breath, and feeling that something is stuck in your throat. Sometimes, tonsil stones may naturally disappear. But, in most cases, you need help from a professional ENT surgeon to remove them.
Laryngology: Conclusion
A patient experiencing larynx problems such as airway obstruction, swallowing difficulty, voice disorders, or laryngeal cancer visits an ENT surgeon for relief. If you live in NYC, you can visit our clinic and consult with highly qualified ENT specialists. Our team will diagnose and treat your disorder related to laryngology.
At Ear Nose & Throat of New York, Dr. Michael Burnett and his experienced staff numerous treatments, including airway reconstruction, voice and swallowing therapeutic exercises, and surgeries. Call us now consult with us about your ENT related symptoms.
EAR, NOSE & THROAT OF NEW YORK
Michael C. Burnett, MD
115 East 57th Street
Suite 600
New York, NY 10022
212-867-4813
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/laryngoscopy
https://www.summahealth.org/medicalservices/ent/voice-conditions
https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/ent/services/laryngology
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/laryngology-and-voice-disorders/overview/ovc-20426888
