Dysphonia and the Use of Non-Conventional Treatments

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Finn, Vivienne M.^{a; b} | Sloane, Pauline M.^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Speech and Language Therapy Department, Child and Family Centre, Navan | [b] School of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College, Dublin

Abstract: This study aimed to establish the extent and nature of the use of non-conventional medicine treatments among people presenting with dysphonia. A questionnaire survey on the use of “unconventional approaches” in the management of voice disorders was administered to patients currently under the care of speech and language therapists, in four general hospitals in the East and North East of Ireland. Of the twenty five people who completed the questionnaire, 40% reported having consulted a non-medical practitioner, with the same number availing of non-medical treatments. 70% of the subjects availing of non-medical treatments had not informed their general practitioner or speech and language therapist of their medication. Further investigation revealed that a number of respondents were prescribed Arnica, a herbal remedy that has a number of known side-effects, the most pertinent being an irritant of the mucous membrane. Alternative medical treatment represents a rapidly growing approach. General practitioners and other health care professionals need to be cognisant of such approaches and their potential impact on the management of voice disorders.

Keywords: alternative medicine, medication, dysphonia, treatment

DOI: 10.3233/ACS-2000-10107

Journal: Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 83-95, 2000