[Voice disorders in asthma]

Abstract

Aasthma is one of the most common chronic diseases with a prevalence of 5% in Germany. Nearly half of the patients complain about permanent voice disorders. Mucosal changes due to the obstructive respiratory disease as well as mucus abnormalities and regularly accompanying chronic rhinosinusitis may explain these symptoms. The additional influence of laryngopharyngeal reflux is discussed controversially. Additionally, dysphonia may as well occur due to side effects of the therapy with inhaled corticosteroids: the ingredients as well as physical effects may be responsible for the development of chronic laryngitis. The concomitant therapy by an ENT specialist is important in asthma-related voice disorders to identify the basic cause of dysphonia systematically and to intervene at an early stage.