To understand when to contact a phoniatrist, it is necessary to clarify the specialization of this doctor. A phoniatrist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of vocal cords. Phoniatrics is a relatively young and rare specialization. Not every clinic can find a doctor who will deal with the development or restoration of voice. Most often, patients are referred for treatment by an ENT doctor, despite the fact that the phoniatrist receives an in-depth, narrow specialization.
Reason for going to the doctor
A phoniatrist is needed in many cases. There are a number of diseases that can deprive a person of his voice. It is advisable to get advice from a specialist in the following cases:
- Voice changes have occurred. It seems to others that you have a cold all the time.
- You smoke for many years and began to notice that your voice has become more rude.
- It's hard for you to talk, your voice sounds weak and inexpressive.
- Periodically, voice loss occurs.
- The sound range of singing has changed.
- Feel the tension in the vocal cords.
- Before speaking, there is a need to cough.
For a long time it was believed that a phoniatrist is a doctor for professional singers. But in fact, there are many pathological conditions leading to loss of voice, and not only singers and artists are affected.
The main diseases that are treated by a phoniatrist
One thing, suspicions that a person is sick. Another thing is the diagnosis. If the therapist, pediatrician or otolaryngologist has determined one of these diagnoses, then it is worth making an appointment with the phoniatrist for a consultation:
- laryngitis (both in acute and in chronic form);
- disruption of the vocal cords ("speech" profession);
- neoplasms in the larynx (benign or malignant);
- paresis or paralysis of the vocal cords;
- stenosis of the larynx (with any disease).
Let us clarify that the “speech” professions, which often need a phoniatrist, are actors, singers, teachers, lecturers, guides, broadcasters, politicians. In addition, these are prompters, sales consultants, emergency line operators and many others.
What can a phoniatrist do?
In-depth narrow specialization allows the doctor to choose the most correct treatment regimen. It could be:
- conservative therapy;
- drug treatment;
- operations;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- inhalation;
- irrigation;
- herbal medicine and so on.
What diagnostic methods can a phoniatrist use? This videostroboscopy, palpation of the thyroid gland, x-ray, angiography, laryngoscopy, glottography. In addition to these methods, ultrasound, MRI, computed tomography and analyzes can be prescribed.
Do Phoniatricians Need Children?
Young children often scream, catch a cold, have laryngitis and laryngotracheitis. This becomes an occasion to contact a pediatrician. Parents simply do not know that an ENT phoniatrist can provide a more qualified consultation.
Not only young children are referred to the phoniatrist. Frequent patients of this specialist are adolescents during puberty. Timely counseling is especially important if the teenager is engaged in singing. During the mutation period, the voice of the lesson should be controlled by a children's phoniatrist.
Small detail
For music schools, choral groups, vocal studios, cooperation with a phoniatrist can be very useful, but not required. But if a person decides to seriously engage in vocals, then upon admission to a music school or higher educational institution, a certificate confirming the absence of contraindications to high voice loads is required. Such a certificate is given by a phoniatrist.
Emergency voice loss assistance
The first requirement of the phoniatrist, if a voice is lost - silence. But one cannot always be silent. In cases where it is impossible to cancel a speech or report, the phoniatrist provides emergency assistance. This is an irrigation of the larynx with one cube of adrenaline. After such a procedure, the voice returns, but not for long. Perform the planned actions in 1.5-2 hours (repeated infusion does not work). After an adrenaline infusion, you cannot sing and talk a lot for two days.
A milder option for emergency care is calcium chloride with milk. Such a drink helps to quickly cope with voice loss.