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Dysphonia is a medical term used to describe any abnormality in the voice. It refers to a change in the sound of the voice that is noticeable and persistent, affecting its pitch, loudness, quality, or vocal effort. This can manifest as hoarseness, breathiness, a strained or creaky voice, or a voice that is too quiet or too loud.

The causes of dysphonia are varied and can range from temporary conditions to more serious underlying medical issues. Common causes include vocal fold inflammation (laryngitis) due to viral infections, overuse of the voice, or irritants like smoke or allergens. Structural changes to the vocal folds, such as nodules, polyps, or cysts, can also lead to dysphonia. Neurological conditions affecting the nerves that control the vocal cords, such as Parkinson's disease or vocal cord paralysis, are another significant cause. Furthermore, psychological factors, like stress or anxiety, can sometimes contribute to or cause dysphonia, a condition known as functional dysphonia.

Diagnosis of dysphonia typically involves a medical history, a physical examination of the throat and voice box, and sometimes instrumental assessments like laryngoscopy, which allows a doctor to visualize the vocal cords directly. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause and may include voice rest, vocal therapy with a speech-language pathologist, medication to address infections or inflammation, or in some cases, surgery to remove vocal fold lesions or address structural abnormalities. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving voice quality and preventing further complications.