Disfonía funcional en adultos

Specialists in Otolaryngology speak of the voice as the instrument of oral communication, air voiced. The parts of the body that are involved in the production of the voice are: 

• Breathing organs: nose, mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs and other musculature (diaphragm, intercostal ...). 
• Organs of the phonation: larynx (vocal cords) and resonance box (pharynx-mouth-nose). 

The voice is produced when the air passes through the vocal cords. When they are in the closed position, the air vibrates the tissue that covers them producing sound.

What is functional dysphonia?

It is the alteration of some of the components of the voice. There is scientific evidence that affects 20% of adults and that is due to abuse or misuse of the voice continuously. In the ear, the voice is perceived hoarse, muffled and / or forced.

What organic processes usually accompany functional dysphonia

Nodules are the most frequent process. These are benign, small and whitish-looking lesions. They tend to present a rapid recovery through rest and voice care if action is taken soon. Other processes such as polyps or laryngeal edema require more precise, intense and continuous care.

Risk factors of functional dysphonia

• Shout, talk loudly or loudly. 
• Speak quickly and run over words. 
• Speak in a noisy environment 
• Tense conversations, with anxiety or stress. 
• Speaking exhausting the air in the lungs. 
• Lack of hydration 
• Do not rest when there is discomfort in the throat.

In addition, these mentioned circumstances generate light laryngeal traumas that, in the short term, cause dysphonia of easy recovery, but in the medium term lead to stable dysphonia, nodules, polyps, edema ...

Characteristics of the patient with functional dysphonia

They tend to be people with a lot of activity, impulsivity, stress, ... exposed to the need to talk continuously and intensely.

Tips to take care of the voice

Correct vocal habits should be worked on. Among others, they are advised: 

• avoid screaming or talking over the ambient noise, 
• Avoid fast or impulsive speech 
• encourage deep breaths, 
• drink water frequently, 
• avoid tobacco and alcohol, 
• encourage calm communication 
• practice the repose of the frequent voice (for a few hours), 
• react with rest before the "warnings" of the larynx: dryness, dysphonia, pain, itching, irritation, sensation of inflammation, ... 
• avoid very cold or very hot drinks, 
• relax neck muscle tension