Persistent Hoarseness: When Should You See a Voice Specialist? We all experience a "lost voice" or raspiness during a heavy cold or after cheering at a concert. Usually, these symptoms vanish within a few days of rest. However, when hoarseness or a change in your voice persists for more than 3 weeks, it is no longer a simple irritation—it requires an ENT specialist evaluation. Changes in the voice can range from minor strain to more serious underlying conditions. This guide explains the common causes of voice disorders and what happens during a private voice assessment. What is Hoarseness? Hoarseness is an umbrella term for abnormal voice changes. Your voice may sound: Breathy or weak. Raspy or strained. Lower or higher in pitch than usual. "Husky" or consistently dry. These changes occur when something interferes with the vibration of the vocal cords (vocal folds) located in the larynx (voice box). Common Causes of Voice Disorders There are many reasons why your ...
When is adenoid surgery required? Adenoids are part of the immune system like our tonsils. If your child has an enlarged adenoid, he/she can have the following symptoms. Enlarged adenoids can lead to a blocked nose. This can lead to thick secretions in the nose and bad breath. A child with a blocked nose may be mouth-breathing most of the time and can lead to prominent upper teeth. Enlarged adenoids can affect a child's sleep quality, leading to sleep apnoea and snoring. They may breathe like "Darth Vader". Enlarged adenoids can block the Eustachian Tube. The Eustachian Tube is responsible for maintaining air pressure in the middle ear. Enlarged adenoids can contribute to a glue ear and frequent ear infections. How is adenoid surgery done? Adenoid surgery is done as a day-case procedure under general anaesthesia. The procedure itself takes 20-30 minutes. ENT doctors can perform adenoid surgery through the mouth or the nose with the help of an endoscope. The child should...