Throat Disorders

Cross-section diagram of the structures of the throat

Hoarseness—is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. The voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained or there may be a change in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is). Changes in sound are usually due to disorders related to the vocal cords that are the sound-producing parts of the voice box (larynx).

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)—refers to the backflow of food or stomach acid all of the way back up into the larynx (the voice box) or the pharynx (the throat). LPR can occur during the day or night, even if a person who has LPR hasn’t eaten a thing. LPR occurs when stomach acid comes up the swallowing tube (esophagus), this irritates the vocal cords. Many patients with LPR do not have symptoms of heartburn though may describe the sensation of a lump in their throat, trouble swallowing, excessive mucous or an excessive desire to clear their throat as well as chronic cough.

Swallowing Problems—may result in accumulation of solids or liquids in the throat. When the nerve and muscle interaction in the mouth, throat and food passages (esophagus) aren’t working properly, overflow secretions can spill into the voice box (larynx) and breathing passages (trachea and bronchi) causing hoarseness, throat clearing or cough. Swallowing problems can often be attributed to a number of factors:

With age, swallowing muscles often lose strength and coordination; thus, even normal secretions may not pass smoothly into the stomach.
During sleep, swallowing occurs much less frequently and secretions may gather. Coughing and vigorous throat clearing are often needed when awakening.
When nervous or under stress, throat muscles can trigger spasms that feel like a lump in the throat. Frequent throat clearing, which usually produces little or no mucous can make this problem worse by increasing irritation.
Growths or swelling in the food passage.

Tonsils and Adenoids—are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. The most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections (throat or ear) and significant enlargement or obstruction that causes breathing and swallowing problems. Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis and infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling, cheese like formations can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen. In rare instances, tumors can grow on the tonsils. See our tonsil FAQ to learn more and understand when your child's tonsils should be removed.

Vocal Nodules—are callous-like growths on the vocal cords that may lead to polyps of the vocal cords (more extensive swelling) that may occur due to vocal abuse including speaking too much, too loudly or improperly over extended periods of time.

Throat Disorders

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