Common Throat Problems

What causes laryngitis?
Swelling of the vocal cords prevents them from coming together properly which makes a change in the voice. Acute laryngitis usually occurs due to swelling of the vocal cords from a common cold, upper respiratory tract viral infection, or irritation caused by excessive voice use such as screaming at a sporting event or rock concert.

What can you do to prevent and treat mild hoarseness?

• If you smoke, quit.
• Avoid second hand smoke.
• Avoid substances that dehydrate the body, such as alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water or liquids.
• Humidify your home.
• Watch your diet and avoid spicy foods.
• Try not to use your voice too long or too loudly.
• Avoid speaking if possible

Are there specific risk factors for head and neck cancer?

As many as 90% of head and neck cancers arise after prolonged exposure to specific factors. Use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages are closely linked with cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, and tongue. Prolonged exposure to sunlight is linked with cancer of the lip and is also an established major cause of skin cancer.

Tonsillitis and Enlarged Adenoids

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

• Swelling of the tonsils.
• Redder than normal tonsils.
• A white or yellow coating on the tonsils.
• A slight voice change due to swelling.
• Sore throat.
• Uncomfortable or painful swallowing.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Fever

What are the symptoms of enlarged adenoids or tonsils?

• Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time.
• Nose sounds “stuffy” when the person speaks.
• Noisy breathing during the day.
• Recurrent ear infections.
• Snoring at night.
• Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea)
  

When is the removal of tonsils and/or adenoids recommended?

The two primary reasons for removal of tonsils and/or adenoids are (1) recurrent infection despite antibiotic therapy and (2) difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids. Recent studies also indicate the removal of adenoids is a beneficial treatment for some children with fluid in the middle ear.

Snoring

What causes snoring?

Snoring occurs when floppy tissue in the airway relaxes during sleep and vibrates. Forty-five percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers. Problem snoring is more frequent in males and overweight persons, and it usually grows worse with age.

What can you do to help mild snoring?”
Adults who suffer from mild or occasional snoring should try the following self-help remedies:

• Adopt a healthy and athletic lifestyle to develop good muscle tone and lose weight.
• Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol for at least four hours and heavy meals or snacks for three hours before bedtime.
• Establish regular sleep patterns.
• Sleep on your side rather than your back.
• Tilt the head of your bed upwards four inches.