From the Guidelines
Acute onset whispering, also known as dysphonia, is most commonly caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including laryngitis, vocal cord strain, and neurological disorders, as highlighted in the clinical practice guideline: hoarseness (dysphonia) update 1. The etiology of acute onset whispering can be multifaceted, involving various factors such as inflammation of the vocal cords, strain from overuse, allergies, acid reflux, inhaled irritants, and post-nasal drip. More serious but less frequent causes may include vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts, vocal cord paralysis, neurological conditions affecting the larynx, or rarely, laryngeal cancer. Some key points to consider in the management of dysphonia include:
- Identifying the underlying cause of dysphonia, which can be achieved through laryngoscopy and other diagnostic tools 1.
- Developing a treatment plan that may include voice rest, adequate hydration, humidification, and treating any underlying infection or inflammation.
- Prioritizing patients who may need escalated care, such as those with a history of smoking or alcohol abuse, or those who experience difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, or neck pain 1.
- Considering the role of visualizing the larynx and vocal folds to establish a diagnosis, as highlighted in the clinical practice guideline: hoarseness (dysphonia) update 1.
- Using symptomatic voice therapy, which has been shown to have moderate-to-good evidence for efficacy in treating functional dysphonia, as reported in the management of functional communication, swallowing, cough and related disorders: consensus recommendations for speech and language therapy 1. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of acute onset whispering and develop an appropriate treatment plan to address the specific needs of the patient, while prioritizing their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.
From the Research
Etiology of Acute Onset Whispering
- The etiology of acute onset whispering is not directly addressed in the provided studies, which focus on the characteristics of whispered speech, laryngeal function during whispering, and the diagnosis and management of transient ischemic attack and acute ischemic stroke.
- However, study 2 suggests that whispering can cause more trauma to the larynx than normal speech in some patients, which may be a contributing factor to acute onset whispering.
- Study 3 examines laryngeal configuration and constriction during whispering, but does not provide insight into the etiology of acute onset whispering.
Related Factors
- Study 4 presents a comprehensive vowel space for whispered speech, which may be relevant to understanding the characteristics of whispered speech, but does not address the etiology of acute onset whispering.
- Studies 5 and 6 focus on the diagnosis and management of transient ischemic attack and acute ischemic stroke, which are not directly related to the etiology of acute onset whispering.
Laryngeal Function During Whispering
- Study 2 finds that 69% of patients demonstrated increased supraglottic hyperfunction with whispered voice, which may be a contributing factor to acute onset whispering.
- Study 3 examines vocal-fold configuration, glottal size, and airway constriction during whispering, but does not provide insight into the etiology of acute onset whispering.