Phoniatric is a doctor engaged in the treatment and diagnosis of vocal cords

To understand when to contact a phoniatrist, it is necessary to clarify the specialization of this doctor. Phoniatric is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of vocal cords. Phoniatrics - specialization is relatively young and rare. Not every polyclinic can find a doctor who will develop or restore the voice. Most patients are referred for treatment to an ENT doctor, despite the fact that the phoniatrician receives an in-depth, narrow specialization.

Reason for contacting a doctor

A doctor-phoniatrist is needed in many cases. There are a number of diseases that can deprive a person of a voice. To get advice from a specialist is desirable in the following cases:

1. There were changes in the voice. It seems to those around you that you have a cold all the time.
2. You smoke for many years and began to notice that your voice has become rougher.
3. It's hard for you to talk, your voice is weak and inexpressive.
4. Periodically, there is a loss of voice.
5. The sound range of singing has changed.
6. There is a tension in the vocal cords.
7. Before speaking, there is a need to clear your throat.

For a long time it was believed that the phoniatric 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 exposed to problems.

The main diseases that are treated by a phoniatrist

It's one thing, the suspicion that a person is sick. Another thing is the diagnosis. If a therapist, pediatrician or otolaryngologist has identified one of these diagnoses, then it is worth to register for a consultation with the phoniatrist:

• Laryngitis (in both acute and chronic form);
• Disruption of the functioning of the vocal cords ("speech" professions);
• Neoplasm in the larynx (benign or malignant);
• Paresis or paralysis of the vocal cords;
• Stenosis of the larynx (for any disease).

Let's clarify that "speech" professions, which often need a phoniatrician, are actors, singers, teachers, lecturers, guides, speakers, politicians. In addition, they are prompter, sales consultants, emergency line operators and many others.

What can a phoniatric doctor do?

In-depth narrow specialization allows the doctor to select the most correct treatment regimens. It can be:

• Conservative therapy;
• Drug treatment;
• Operations;
• Physiotherapeutic procedures;
• Inhalation;
• Irrigation;
• Phytotherapy and so on.

What diagnostic methods can the phoniatrician use? This videostroboscopy, palpation of the thyroid gland, X-ray, angiography, laryngoscopy, glottography. In addition to these methods, ultrasound, MRI, computed tomography and tests can be prescribed.

Do doctors need phoniatrics for children?

Little children often scream, catch cold, get laryngitis and laryngotracheitis. This is the reason for contacting the pediatrician. Parents simply do not know that an ENT-phoniatrician can conduct a more qualified consultation.

To the phoniatric are addressed not only with young children. Frequent patients of this specialist are adolescents during puberty. Especially important are timely consultations if the teenager is engaged in singing. During the period of voice mutation, the exercise should be controlled by the children's phoniatrician.

Small item

For music schools, choral groups, vocal studios, cooperation with a phoniatrist can be very useful, but it is not mandatory. But if a person decides to seriously engage in vocals, then upon admission to a music school or a higher educational institution, a certificate must necessarily be made that there are no contraindications to high voice loads. Such information is given by a doctor-phoniatrist.

Emergency help with loss of voice

The first requirement of the phoniatrics, if the voice disappeared - silence. But you can not always be silent. In cases where it is not possible to cancel a presentation or a report, the phoniatrician provides emergency assistance. This irrigation of the larynx with one adrenaline cube. After such a procedure, the voice returns, but not for long. To execute the planned actions it is necessary for 1,5-2 hours (re-infusion does not work). After pouring adrenaline, sing and talk a lot for two days.

A softer option of emergency care is the intake of calcium chloride and milk. This drink helps to quickly cope with loss of voice.