ETIOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 100 PATIENTS OF HOARSENESS OF VOICE: IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Voice production in humans is a complex physiological process. A normal or healthy voice is defined by specific attributes such as pitch, loudness, and quality, which together creates a clear meaning and evoke emotional responses, ensuring a pleasant effect. Hoarseness is one of the common symptoms with which patients present to Otorhinolaryngology OPD and indicates diseases ranging from benign to the most malignant.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the clinicopathological profile of patients with Hoarseness of voice in the hilly terrain of Northern India and to identify the association of common predisposing factors leading to hoarseness.

Methods:  This prospective study was carried out on 100 patients attending the Department of ENT Government Medical College, Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, with Hoarseness of voice from March 2023 to May 2024. A detailed history followed by clinical examination and laryngeal endoscopy was carried out.  

Results:   Male: Female ratio came out to be 1.9:1 with labourers representing the largest group comprising 26% of total cases. Ninety-five percent patients were from rural areas. Most of the patients presented with a symptom duration of 1 month. Smoking was the commonest predisposing factor (34.5%). Among Benign lesions, Vocal nodule emerged as the leading cause (32%) of Hoarseness of voice.

Conclusion: It is very important to increase public awareness regarding the ill effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on laryngeal health. All patients with hoarseness of voice should undergo laryngoscopy followed, by biopsy for suspicious cases.