Throat Care

Throat conditions can affect various parts of the throat (pharynx), including the larynx (voice box) and tonsils. These conditions can negatively impact daily communication, eating and nutrition habits, and overall health.

To promote throat health, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid irritants, maintain healthy vocal habits and practice good respiratory hygiene — such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of infections that can affect the throat.

Throat conditions we treat

• Laryngeal papillomas: Wart-like growths in the larynx caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease
• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, resulting in hoarseness or loss of voice
• Oral thrush: A fungal infection that causes white patches in the mouth and throat
• Pharyngeal abscess: Collection of pus that causes severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing
• Rhinoplasty: Surgery that changes the shape of the nose to change the appearance, improve breathing or both
• Snoring surgery (Inspire implant): Surgery that helps stabilize throat muscles to allow the airway to remain open during sleep
• Sore throat (pharyngitis): Inflammation of the pharynx, causing pain and discomfort
• Strep throat: A bacterial infection causing throat pain, often accompanied by fever and swollen tonsils — if left untreated, it can cause paralysis
• Throat cancer: Malignant growths in the throat, voice box or tonsils — known causes include human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking and using tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption, and environmental factors like asbestos and radon exposure
• Throat nodules and polyps: Noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can impact voice quality
• Throat trauma: Injuries to the throat, which may result from external trauma or prolonged excessive vocal strain
• Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, leading to sore throat, difficulty swallowing and sometimes fever

How we help

MultiCare ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists can diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of throat conditions through advanced medical and surgical care. Whether providing treatment for infections, voice disorders or addressing more complex issues such as throat cancer, your doctor will provide a personalized treatment plan to fit your unique needs.

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can be associated with certain conditions of the larynx and/or the muscles of the mouth and throat. These conditions affect the ability to swallow safely and efficiently.

Swallowing disorders we treat

• Achalasia: A disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax, causing difficulty in moving food into the stomach
• Cancers of the esophagus or throat: Tumors in the esophagus or throat that can lead to swallowing difficulties
• Cricopharyngeal dysfunction: Impaired function of the cricopharyngeal muscle, which can hinder the passage of food from the throat to the esophagus
• Esophageal stricture: Narrowing of the esophagus, often due to scar tissue formation, making it challenging for food to pass through
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux that can lead to irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, causing swallowing difficulties
• Muscular dystrophy-related dysphagia: Progressive muscle weakness that can impact the muscles responsible for swallowing
• Oropharyngeal dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing due to problems with the muscles and nerves in the mouth and throat
• Parkinson’s disease-related dysphagia: Swallowing problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, affecting the muscles involved in swallowing
• Stroke-related dysphagia: Swallowing difficulties arising from neurological damage caused by a stroke

How we help

Our ENT specialists provide a comprehensive swallowing evaluation, which includes laryngoscopy (a procedure that examines the larynx or “voice box”), functional swallow X-rays, and an examination by a speech and swallowing pathologist.

Temporary voice changes are often due to a cold or laryngitis. If a breathy or raspy voice persists for more than a few weeks, however, a more serious condition such as vocal cord paralysis, nodules or polyps may be present. Through endoscopic evaluation, potential serious conditions of the larynx (laryngology), including cancer, can be ruled out, allowing time for appropriate treatment.

Voice disorders we treat

• Dysphonia: A general term for voice disorders, often resulting in hoarseness, raspiness or a strained voice
• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the vocal cords, usually due to infection (bacterial or viral) or overuse of the voice
• Muscle tension dysphonia: Excessive tension in the muscles around the voice box, affecting voice quality
• Polyps: Soft, blister-like growths on the vocal cords, often caused by long-term irritation
• Reinke’s edema: Swelling of the vocal cords, often associated with smoking and chronic irritation
• Spasmodic dysphonia: Involuntary muscle spasms affecting the voice box, leading to strained or strangled speech
• Vocal cord dysfunction: Abnormal movement of the vocal cords during breathing, causing breathing difficulties
• Vocal cord paralysis: Impaired movement of one or both vocal cords, affecting voice production
• Vocal nodules: Noncancerous growths on the vocal cords, typically caused by vocal strain

How we help

Treatment for voice disorders may involve voice therapy, lifestyle changes, surgery or other interventions, depending on the specific condition and its underlying causes.

Laryngoscopy, video stroboscopy and video endoscopy can be performed directly in the office under local anesthesia at any MultiCare ENT location. Recent advancements have allowed for rapid restoration of normal voice in many cases — including cases of vocal cord paralysis or vocal spasm — using treatments such as Prolaryn, Prolaryn Plus™ or Botox™.