Voice and speech signs and symptoms in individuals exposed to chemical agents: an analysis of medical records

Abstract

Objective: to identify voice and speech signs and symptoms in patients exposed to chemical agents. Methods: an exploratory and descriptive study analyzing the data from the medical records of patients who sought health services at a toxicology outpatient clinic located in Southeastern Brazil. Results: a total of 139 medical records were obtained, 75 being selected. Twelve of the records selected contained data regarding voice and speech symptoms, including hoarseness (3), loss of voice (2), chronic throat inflammation (1), sore throat (1), secretion and burning in the throat (1), dry throat and mouth (1), lump in the throat associated with difficulty in swallowing (1), difficulty in articulating words (1), and difficulty in verbal expression (1). Diseases capable of causing phono-articulatory problems were detected in 6 cases. These symptoms affected individuals with occupational exposure to different substances, particularly community health agents (7) and pesticide applicators (7). Conclusion: individuals exposed to chemical substances experienced voice and speech problems, either due to a possible irritation caused by chemical agents or due to diseases developed during or after the exposure.

A Case of Unilateral Vocal Cord Palsy due to Bakelite Exposure

“…7,8,12 However, there is lack of data on occupational exposure and vocal cord palsy. Lisboa et al 13 concluded that patients exposed to chemicals experienced voice and speech problems. Brooks 14 welding fumes, adhesive vapours, glutaraldehyde, ammonia and latex antigen amongst other causes.…”

“…23 Gothi et al 24 reported non-malignant asbestos-induced lung diseases in 11 workers with exposure ranging from 18 to 30 years. Lisboa et al 13 reported three cases of occupationalrelated hoarseness with symptoms occurring after 12-14 years. In the case presented here, the time lag between first occupational exposure to Bakelite and onset of symptoms was 25 years.…”