Disorders of the throat, or pharynx, and voice box, or larynx, can take many forms, including:

• Cancers and Tumors
• Epiglottitis – Bacterial infection of the epiglottis.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD / Heartburn) and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPRD) – Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause hoarseness, swallowing problems and pain.
• Laryngitis – Inflammation of the voice box from the common cold, bronchitis, overuse of the voice, allergies or irritants.
• Laryngoceles – Air- or mucus-filled, inward or outward bulgings of the voice box lining. Most common in wind instrument players.
• Mononucleosis
• Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) & Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat)
• Tonsillitis (Swelling of the tonsils), Tonsillar Cellulitis (Bacterial infection of the tonsils) and Tonsillar Abscesses (Pus collection around the tonsils).
• Vocal Cord Paralysis – Loss of movement of the muscles that control one or both vocal cords. Paralysis of one vocal cord leaves the voice breathy or hoarse; paralysis of both weakens the voice and makes breathing difficult when exercising.
• Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps – Benign (non-cancerous) growths that form from overuse of the voice, smoking, irritants or acid reflux.
• Vocal Cord Contact Ulcers – Sores in the cartilage around the vocal cords caused by straining the voice, frequent talking, smoking, coughing or acid reflux.

Changes in the voice are almost always indicative of a medical problem; patients experiencing hoarseness or other voice changes should see a physician to determine the cause.