Functional Dysphonia: A Common Voice Disorder

What is Functional Dysphonia?

Functional dysphonia is a voice disorder that affects the way your vocal cords work. It is not caused by any physical damage to the vocal cords, but rather by problems with the way you use your voice. Functional dysphonia can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Hoarseness
• Vocal fatigue
• Pain or discomfort when speaking
• Difficulty projecting your voice
• Changes in your vocal quality

Functional dysphonia is a common voice disorder, affecting up to 10% of the population. It is more common in women than in men, and it typically develops in adulthood.

What Causes Functional Dysphonia?

The exact cause of functional dysphonia is not known, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors, including:

• Muscle tension in the vocal cords
• Poor vocal hygiene
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux or allergies

Functional dysphonia can also be triggered by certain events, such as a cold or flu, or a period of excessive vocal use.

How is Functional Dysphonia Diagnosed?

Functional dysphonia is diagnosed based on a physical examination of your vocal cords and a voice evaluation. During the physical examination, your doctor will look for any signs of physical damage to your vocal cords. The voice evaluation will assess your vocal quality, range, and volume.

How is Functional Dysphonia Treated?

The treatment for functional dysphonia depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. In many cases, treatment will involve voice therapy, which can help you to improve your vocal hygiene and learn how to use your voice more effectively.

Other treatments for functional dysphonia may include:

• Medication to reduce muscle tension
• Surgery to correct any physical problems with the vocal cords
• Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and avoiding caffeine and alcohol

How Can I Prevent Functional Dysphonia?

There is no surefire way to prevent functional dysphonia, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disorder, including:

• Practice good vocal hygiene
• Warm up your voice before speaking for long periods of time
• Avoid straining your voice
• Manage stress
• See a doctor if you have any symptoms of functional dysphonia

Functional Dysphonia