Voice problems in a small swedish town: A retrospective study of the prevalence and a follow-up

The prevalence of voice problems among patients consulting the primary health care unit of a small Swedish town during 1984 was investigated. A study of the records of 11,606 patients indicated that 102 of them consulted their doctor mainly because of voice problems. The period prevalence of voice problems in the population of 20,049 people was 0.5%. A follow-up examination 1 year later indicated that 44% of these patients still had voice problems. Among the patients with a voice disorder diagnosis made by means of indirect laryngoscopy in 1984, 72% still had a voice disorder diagnosis at the follow-up. It is pointed out that the doctor who is seeing a patient with voice problems should make a thorough examination including indirect laryngoscopy. It is also important to discuss the patient's smoking habits and professional vocal strain to prevent recurrence.