-
The British Journal of Radiology Sep 2023The pharynx plays a significant role in swallowing and speech, and this is reflected in both its complex anatomy and degree of physiological motility. Patients who... (Review)
Review
The pharynx plays a significant role in swallowing and speech, and this is reflected in both its complex anatomy and degree of physiological motility. Patients who present with pharynx-related symptoms such as sore throat, globus, dysphagia or dysphonia will usually undergo visual and nasal endoscopic examination in the first instance. Imaging is frequently required to supplement clinical assessment and this typically involves MRI and CT. However, fluoroscopy, ultrasound and radionuclide imaging are valuable in certain clinical situations. The aforementioned complexity of the pharynx and the myriad of pathologies which may arise within it often make radiological evaluation challenging. In this pictorial review, we aim to provide a brief overview of cross-sectional pharyngeal anatomy and present the radiological features of a variety of pharyngeal pathologies, both benign and malignant.
Topics: Humans; Pharynx; Cross-Sectional Studies; Deglutition Disorders; Deglutition; Fluoroscopy
PubMed: 37334795
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20230046 -
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Aug 2023The terms hoarseness and dysphonia are used interchangeably, and both describe a type of altered vocal quality affecting one-third of patients. While hoarseness may be... (Review)
Review
The terms hoarseness and dysphonia are used interchangeably, and both describe a type of altered vocal quality affecting one-third of patients. While hoarseness may be secondary to benign conditions such as reflux or viral laryngitis, it may suggest benign or malignant vocal-fold pathology. It is important for caregivers to know how to evaluate, treat, and when to refer patients for direct visualization via laryngoscopy. In this article, we review basic laryngeal anatomy and function, symptoms of vocal-fold pathology, and current guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery on the diagnosis and treatment of dysphonia, including patient referral.
Topics: Humans; United States; Hoarseness; Dysphonia; Laryngitis; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Laryngoscopy
PubMed: 37527869
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.90a.23010 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Jun 2023Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a complex syndrome characterized by the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the pharynx or larynx, resulting in a range of... (Review)
Review
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a complex syndrome characterized by the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the pharynx or larynx, resulting in a range of symptoms, including chronic cough, throat clearing, pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and dysphonia. Despite the lack of a gold standard for diagnosis or treatment, various strategies have been proposed to manage LPR. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is compromised by the lack of a uniform treatment protocol, which places a burden on patients, physicians, and the healthcare system. This study aims to systematically review the treatments of LPR and provide updated and useful clinical information to clinical physicians. The literature with an emphasis on LPR and related keywords is searched and reviewed in PubMed. Treatment of LPR includes health education, lifestyle modification, dietary changes, medications, and surgery, as well as the emergence of a novel treatment method involving external upper esophageal sphincter compression devices. Currently, medication is the main treatment, supplemented with lifestyle and dietary changes, but there is still a lack of effective means for patients with drug-resistant or intolerant LPR. More high-quality and rigorous trials must continue to be conducted to determine the best treatment options and find novel treatments. Taking into account the complexity of LPR, this study proposes a simple algorithm to help clinicians with the initial management of this disease.
PubMed: 37296536
DOI: 10.1177/01455613231180031 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jun 2023Voice problems, also called hoarseness or dysphonia, can cause significant morbidity with communication difficulties and social isolation. This review summarises the... (Review)
Review
Voice problems, also called hoarseness or dysphonia, can cause significant morbidity with communication difficulties and social isolation. This review summarises the causes and treatment of voice problems. Common causes of voice problems are related to inflammation, non-physiological usage of the voice, benign lesions of the vocal cords and damage to the nerves innervating the larynx. Nonetheless, it is important to keep malignancy in mind as a differential diagnosis. Referral to an otorhinolaryngologist is recommended for voice problems in adults with a duration of more than two weeks.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Hoarseness; Communication; Diagnosis, Differential; Inflammation; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 37381839
DOI: No ID Found