Voice Care - Laryngology
At ENT Southlake, board-certified ENT physician, Laura Dominguez, MD, provides specialized voice care, addressing a range of laryngeal and vocal cord issues. With a focus on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, our practice offers expert care for those experiencing voice disorders, swallowing issues, chronic cough, and more.
Voice Care
Voice Disorders
Voice disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the vocal cords and the quality of the voice. These disorders can manifest as hoarseness, vocal fatigue, a strained or breathy voice, or even a complete loss of voice. Common causes include overuse of the voice, infections, vocal cord lesions like nodules or polyps, and neurological conditions.
At ENT Southlake, Dr. Dominguez offers expert evaluation and treatment for a wide range of voice disorders. Her approach begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying cause of the voice problem. This may involve a detailed medical history, voice analysis, and advanced diagnostic tools like videostroboscopy to observe the vocal cords in action.
Treatment for voice disorders is tailored to each patient’s specific condition and needs. Options may include:
- Voice Therapy: Often the first line of treatment, voice therapy involves working with a speech-language pathologist to improve vocal technique, reduce strain, and promote healing.
- Medication: For voice disorders caused by inflammation, infection, or acid reflux, medication may be prescribed to reduce symptoms and support vocal cord recovery.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: In cases where vocal cord lesions or other structural abnormalities are present, we may recommend in-office procedures to remove lesions or correct the issue with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Voice Treatments & Services
Videostroboscopy
Videostroboscopy is a key diagnostic tool used to visualize the vocal cords in motion. This advanced imaging technique allows for precise evaluation of vocal cord vibrations, enabling accurate diagnosis of voice disorders, and informing effective treatment strategies.
In-Office Larynx Procedures
Dr. Dominguez performs various in-office larynx procedures, offering minimally invasive options for treating vocal cord lesions, polyps, and other issues. These procedures are designed to provide effective results with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities quickly.
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that affects the muscles of the larynx, leading to involuntary voice breaks. Dr. Dominguez specializes in the management of spasmodic dysphonia, offering treatments to help patients regain control of their voice.
Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, can arise from neurological conditions or structural abnormalities. Our team conducts thorough evaluations to determine the underlying cause and provide personalized treatment plans to improve swallowing function and patient comfort.
Airway Stenosis
Airway stenosis, a narrowing of the airway, can lead to breathing difficulties and other serious symptoms. Dr. Dominguez offers expert care in diagnosing and treating airway stenosis, utilizing both surgical and non-surgical approaches to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.