What are the Symptoms?
People with contact ulcers may experience hoarseness, voice fatigue, or throat pain.
Causes of Contact Ulcers
Contact ulcers usually develop in people who speak/sing with too much force for a prolonged period of time. The excessive force causes ulcerated sores on the cartilage of the larynx and/or the voice cords. People with gastroesophageal reflux sometimes experience contact ulcers as well.
Diagnosing Contact Ulcers
If you have experience hoarseness for 2 weeks or more, consult with your physician. He/she will review your symptoms and medical history, as well as perform a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Treatment of Contact Ulcers
Voice Therapy
The best way to reverse conditions of vocal abuse and misuse is to correct the vocal pattern that has created the disorder. Learning good vocal technique can reduce the amount of pressure put on the vocal cords.
Medication
Medication can be used to block the production of stomach acid and its backing up into the esophagus. Some of these medications even aid in the healing of the contact ulcers.
Surgery
At times, surgery may be required. This can help reverse the disorder and can be performed in conjunction with voice therapy. More about surgery for contact ulcers