11
Table 6. Documented Side Effects of short and Long-term
Steroid Therapy
• Lipodystrophy
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Impaired wound healing
• Myopathy
• Cataracts
• Peptic ulcers
• Infection
• Mood disorder
• Ophthalmologic disorders
• Skin disorders and alopecia
• Menstrual disorders, and hormonal changes
• Avascular necrosis (femur, humerus, long bones)
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetogenesis
Treatment
Table 7. Preventive Measures
What is dysphonia?
Altered vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication as
assessed by a clinician and/or affects quality of life.
Who is at greatest risk for developing dysphonia (hoarseness)?
Individuals who professionally use their voices such as singers, teachers, and call-center
operators, certain age groups, including children, older persons and smokers.
What preventive measures can help reduce voice disorders?
ings to DO ings to AVOID
1. Adequately hydrate by drinking
water daily.
2. Use of amplification in large noisy
spaces can help reduce voice strain.
3. Rest your voice briefly to prevent
voice fatigue, straining, and
overuse.
4. Provide indoor air humidification
in dry, arid environments.
1. Smoking and second-hand smoke from
cigarettes, cigars, and pipes that can irritate
your airway, throat, nose, and mouth.
2. Overusing or straining your voice by
yelling, shouting, speaking over loud
noises, and whispering.
3. Excessive throat clearing and coughing.
4. Alcohol and caffeine consumption as they
can dry the throat resulting in mucous
thickening.
5. Use of drying medications.
Patient Information
