Clinical and diagnostic algorithm for otorhinolaryngologist’s work with voice professionals

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of larynx diseases in voice professionals are an important task of otorhinolaryngology. 244 voice professionals have visited Phoniatric Department of Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech. The condition of larynx was assessed by videoendolaryngoscopic and videoendolaryngostroboscopy methods. Larynx pathology was found in 212 patients, 32 persons were healthy. The main causes of dysphonias were the continuous vocal stress, work in sick condition, the diseases of endocrine, gastroduodenal, respiratory, neural system. 77 patients with voice disorders were diagnosed with functional dysphonia, 61 patients – with acute or chronic laryngitis. The cause of hoarseness in 46 persons were the vocal fold nodules, and in 28 patients – the vocal fold polyps. The article describes the clinical manifestations of pathological changes of the larynx. Based on the studied voice disorder etiological factors and clinical picture of the larynx, the authors developed a clinical and diagnostic algorithm of otorhinolaryngologist’s work with voice professionals.