Voice, Airway and Swallowing Problems

    Overview

    Voice disorders are medical conditions involving abnormalities of the sound produced by the larynx, affecting speech production. These include: puberphonia; chorditis; and vocal fold nodules. Swallowing problems may be the result of brain dysfunction, loss of sphincter control, or narrowing of the esophagus. Treatment of voice, airway and swallowing problems are offered for adult and pediatric patients.

    Voice Clinic

    The SIU Medicine Voice Clinic is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis, treatment and management of laryngeal and voice disorders. Services are available for people with vocal misuse and overuse syndromes, recurrent laryngitis, spasmodic dysphonia, swallowing problems, vocal cord paralysis, aging voice, cancer of the vocal cord, scarred vocal cords and benign vocal cord growths.

    Services and Tests

    Patients are seen by a laryngologist and speech pathologist with special training in voice disorders. Tests may include a video of the larynx, voice recording and interpretation, and measurement of airflow and pressure during speech. A complete physical exam of the throat and larynx is also done. The complete exam usually takes 45 minutes to one hour. Most therapy is completed within two months. Treatment Patient treatment plans usually include medication, surgery and/or voice therapy. Frequently, it is a multi-factorial combination of voice therapy and medical management.

    Patient Resources

    Our providers

    Profiles

    James Pugely, MD

    Allergy and Immunology (ENT) Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
    720 N. Bond Street Springfield , IL 62702
    Profiles

    Paula Mackrides, DO

    Family Medicine
    612 N. 11th St. Quincy, IL 62301

    Why SIU

    Continually learning

    With a focus on continual improvement, our doctors take the time to research, study and innovate to provide the latest treatments for our patients.

    Patient-first experience

    Our care ranges from primary care physicians to specialists and sub-specialists who have advanced training. We're here for you when you need us.

    Breakthrough tech

    Continually teaching the next generation of doctors, our physicians use the latest developments in procedures and technologies for our patients.