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Choosing Louisiana ENT Specialists for your voice and swallowing disorder treatments means you are opting for a team that is highly specialized in ENT care. Our physicians are experts in medical treatment and excel in the surgical correction of complex voice and swallowing disorders. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach, often working alongside speech-language pathologists to provide comprehensive care.

Procedures Offered

Vocal Cord and Voice Examination

At Louisiana ENT Specialists, our vocal cord and voice examination process is meticulous and tailored to each individual. By leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, we offer comprehensive evaluations that capture the dynamics of vocal cord movement and function. These detailed assessments allow us to pinpoint abnormalities with precision, facilitating targeted treatments that address the unique voice challenges our patients face, thereby setting the foundation for effective recovery and sustained vocal health.

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Acid Reflux Testing

Chronic acid reflux can significantly affect both voice quality and swallowing. To determine if acid reflux is contributing to your symptoms, we conduct pH monitoring and other diagnostic tests. These tests help confirm the presence of reflux, enabling us to tailor a treatment plan that may include dietary recommendations, medications, or surgical options.

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Swallowing Therapy

Swallowing therapy is an integral part of the treatment for patients with dysphagia. Our speech-language pathologists specialize in various techniques to help strengthen the muscles and improve the coordination needed for effective swallowing. This personalized therapy can include exercises, swallowing maneuvers, and dietary modifications.

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Speech Testing

Understanding the intricacies of speech helps in diagnosing and treating voice disorders. Speech testing at Louisiana ENT includes a range of evaluations that analyze the quality, pitch, volume, and endurance of the voice. These tests assist in determining the functional impact of the voice disorder and in measuring the progress post-treatment.

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Types of voice conditions

Voice conditions can range from common hoarseness to more serious issues like vocal cord paralysis. They may arise from misuse or overuse of the voice, infections, growths such as nodules or polyps, or neurological conditions. 

Some common voice conditions include:

  • Laryngitis
  • Vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts
  • Vocal cord paralysis or paresis
  • Spasmodic dysphonia
  • Voice misuse and phonotrauma
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Types of swallowing issues

Swallowing issues, or dysphagia, can occur at different stages of the swallowing process and may result from various medical conditions. Some are due to muscular or neurological problems affecting the throat or esophagus. Types of swallowing issues include:

  • Oropharyngeal dysphagia: Difficulty initiating a swallow, often due to neurological disorders, throat cancers, or conditions that cause the throat muscles to function improperly.
  • Esophageal dysphagia: A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest after swallowing, which could be due to esophageal strictures, rings, or motility (the ability to move food through the digestive system) disorders.

What are the treatments for voice or swallowing disorders?

Treatment for voice and swallowing disorders is tailored to the specific condition and patient needs. Some common treatment options include:

  • Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist
  • Medications for infections or inflammation
  • Surgical interventions to remove growths or repair structures
  • Swallowing therapy to learn new swallowing techniques
  • Dietary changes
  • BOTOX injections for certain neurological conditions

Our team at Louisiana ENT utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately identify the underlying cause and tailor treatment accordingly.

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Who is a candidate?

Candidates for treatment of voice and swallowing disorders include anyone who experiences symptoms affecting their ability to speak or swallow. These symptoms can manifest as hoarseness, a constant need to clear the throat, a cough that won't go away, pain when swallowing, or the sensation of food sticking in the throat. An ENT specialist can evaluate these symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Recovery after treatments for voice and swallowing issues

Recovery time depends on the type of treatment received. Voice therapy may offer improvement within weeks, whereas surgical recovery could require a period of rest followed by therapy. For swallowing disorders, progress can be gradual, and therapy may continue over several months to maximize swallowing safety and efficiency. Our team works closely with patients to set realistic expectations and provide a comprehensive recovery plan.

Why choose us?

At Louisiana ENT, we are committed to utilizing the latest technology in diagnosis and treatment, including videostroboscopy and esophagoscopy, ensuring that our patients receive the most advanced care available. Our team takes pride in offering personalized care, understanding that each patient's voice and swallowing function is unique to their identity and lifestyle.

Choosing us means you value a practice that has been serving the Louisiana community with dedication and excellence for over four decades. Here, you're not just a patient; you're part of a family that is deeply invested in your health and well-being, providing not only medical care but also the support and guidance needed to navigate through treatment and recovery. 

With 6 convenient locations around the Louisiana area, we're never far away.

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