Voice And Swallowing Problems
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Joshua James, MD
Board-Certified ENT Specialist located in McKinney, TX & Frisco, TX
Identifying the underlying cause of voice and swallowing problems is an important first step in treating your condition. At his office in Frisco and McKinney, Texas, board-certified ENT specialist Joshua C. James, MD, offers on-site diagnostic technologies and customized treatment plans for common voice and swallowing disorders. Dr. James uses the latest minimally invasive techniques to treat your condition, including voice restoration surgery to remove obstructions that interfere with your speech. Learn more about available treatment options for voice and swallowing problems by calling the practice or by requesting an appointment online today.
Voice and Swallowing Problems Q & A
What are common voice and swallowing problems?
Talking and swallowing are two bodily functions you don’t often think about until you have difficulties.
There are a variety of issues that can affect your ability to speak or swallow with ease including conditions like dysphagia. Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that develops due to damage in the nerves that control swallowing.
You may also not be able to swallow effectively or comfortably because of:
- Colds
- Allergies
- Dehydration
- Improper chewing
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Voice issues can result from a chronic cough, cysts or polyps on the vocal cords, or GERD. You may also have difficulty speaking if you inhale chemicals or other substances.
How are voice and swallowing problems diagnosed?
To better understand the underlying cause of voice or swallowing problems, Dr. James takes time to review your medical history, current health, and symptoms. He may ask questions about your job and lifestyle to determine if environmental factors play a role in your condition.
Dr. James uses on-site technologies to accurately diagnose your voice or swallowing issue. He may recommend an upper endoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a flexible tube with an attached camera down your throat.
The camera sends real-time images of your upper respiratory system to an external monitor, so Dr. James can identify obstructions, inflammation, and other abnormalities that affect your voice or swallowing ability.
How are voice and swallowing problems treated?
Treating the underlying cause of common voice and swallowing issues may initially involve medications, such as anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling or prescription drugs to treat GERD or allergies.
Dr. James customizes your treatment plan to resolve your symptoms and protect your upper respiratory health. He may also recommend surgery to correct the underlying issues that interfere with swallowing and speech.
One surgical treatment he offers is microscopic voice surgery. This procedure focuses on removing growths like cysts or lesions that form on your larynx (voice box).
Dr. James uses a laryngoscope, a tubing device that travels through your mouth and down into your vocal cords. He inserts specialized tools through the scope to remove growths without the need for incisions.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for voice or swallowing problems, call the office of Joshua C. James, MD, or request an appointment through the online booking system today.
