Differential Diagnosis for 6 Weeks of Voice Change
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Laryngitis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to its high prevalence and the fact that voice change is a common symptom. Acute laryngitis is usually caused by a viral infection and can last for several weeks.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Reflux Laryngitis: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to flow up into the throat, leading to inflammation and voice change. This condition is common and can be exacerbated by certain foods or activities.
- Vocal Cord Lesions (e.g., polyps, nodules): These growths on the vocal cords can cause voice change, especially if they are large or numerous. They are often caused by voice overuse or misuse.
- Allergic Laryngitis: Allergies can cause inflammation in the larynx, leading to voice change. This is more likely in people with a history of allergies.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Laryngeal Cancer: Although rare, laryngeal cancer can cause voice change and is a potentially life-threatening condition. It is more common in smokers and people over 55.
- Thyroid Disease: Certain thyroid conditions, such as a thyroid nodule or cancer, can cause voice change due to compression or invasion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Neurological Disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis): Certain neurological conditions can affect the nerves that control the vocal cords, leading to voice change. These conditions are relatively rare and often have other symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation in the larynx, leading to voice change. It is relatively rare and often has other symptoms, such as lung or skin involvement.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: This rare autoimmune disease can cause inflammation in the cartilage of the larynx, leading to voice change. It often has other symptoms, such as ear or nose involvement.