Effect of Steroidal Treatment in Asthma on Voice

Background: Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in bronchial asthma, unfortunately, they have systemic and local side effects, among which is dysphonia. Objectives: The aim of this work was to study the effect of steroid therapy (inhaled or oral) used by asthmatics on voice. Methods: In this study 40 asthmatic patients, 20 patients were, treated with steroids (inhaled or oral) and 20 patients were not treated with steroids, in addition to 20 control subjects were included. All patients were examined by laryngoscope, acoustic and aerodynamic studies. Results: Examination revealed hazardous effects on vocal folds and subsequently on voice in patients on oral steroids. In addition, some asthmatics not receiving steroid therapy showed also ventricular hypertrophy and bilateral vocal fold nodules that led to voice changes. However, patients on inhaled steroids did not show any voice problems. Conclusion: Thus it is recommended a regular checking up of the vocal folds of asthmatic patients especially those on steroid therapy for early detection of any pathology even before any clinical manifestation appears.