Does anyone know if Lyme disease can cause vocal cord papillomas? I have heard how it can cause hoarseness, but the cause is never stated. I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. I have had one surgery already for the vocal cord papillomas, but my voice is becoming horse again and I am looking at having another surgery soon. My Lyme doctor said that he was not sure on my question and I can;t seem to find anything specifically about this topic on the internet.Thanks
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Examples of papillomas on the vocal cords. These can be removed using a number of techniques. These particular lesions were removed using a CO2 laser.
It has been my experience as a Speech Pathologist, that papillomas are caused by
Vocal abuse. Now most people immediately think of screaming (which is highly abusive)
However, whispering is very abusive to the vocal cords as well as repeated throat clearing.
Papillomas are usually caused by one incident of abuse.....vocal nodules are usually
Caused by repeated abuse.
Do you see an ENT for this?
Have they recommended Speech Therapy to try to determine if and how you are abusing
Your vocal cords? If the abuse is not identified
Whether it be throat clearing/shouting, etc.
Then these "bumps" will continue to reappear.
Papillomas can become nodules. Papillomas are soft, nodules are like callouses'.
The hoarseness can be a result of the papillomas or nodules.
Or the nodules/papillomas can be caused by repeated throat clearing, etc.
Very important to try to recognize which came first.....the chicken or the egg scenario.
It could be related to diapragm use as well.
If you are not pulling in a deep breath and trying to speak on little
Or residual air, you can abuse those cords.
If you are seeing a ENT or another specialist ask about
A referral to a Speech Therapist. This way, the abuse can be recognized and
Measures made to reduce or eliminate the abuse.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by pyrantel (Member # 12716) on :
quote:Originally posted by treepatrol: Examples of papillomas on the vocal cords. These can be removed using a number of techniques. These particular lesions were removed using a CO2 laser.
Thanks for the picture and the links. Also, many thanks to the speech therapist. I am presently seeing an ENT and his next step is to use Laser to removed the recurrent papilloms.
I am a veterinarian and I sppeak to my clients all day long, by the end of the day my voice is exhausted.
Please let me know if anyone can find any literature about Lyme or co-infections that may causd this condition.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
Hi Pyrantel. I was drawn to your name as I am a vet tech! I dont know if I have Papillomas, but my voice gets hoarse. Isn't it a paralyzed nerve? Thats what I though but I have only been sick for 3 months.
I hope you get the answers you have been looking for! Welcome~
Melissa
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Dear Merry,
If you had a paralyzed vocal fold your voice wouldn't get hoarse,
but it would be very breathy. Less air to speak with as it escapes via the paralyzed cord.
Also can cause major swallowing issues as the vocal folds close when you swallow,
To prevent food/liquid from entering the trachea and lungs.
If you start off with a good voice, but lose it towards the end of the day,
It is most likely poor breathing, or speaking in too loud of a voice.
It can also be caused by speaking in the wrong pitch.
Sinus issues, throat clearing, etc. can cause hoarse voice.
So can weaknesses of the muscles that innervate the folds and surrounding areas.
Guess which one? Vagus (Cranial Nerve X).
It seems that Lyme likes this nerve a lot!
A good way to initiate speech is to use a "h" sound.
By gently releasing air to initiate the vibration of the vocal folds,
It mimizes possible "slapping" together of the cords.
Vocal rest helps too.
Hugs,
Geneal
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