Medical Centric

BOGART-BACALL SYNDROME (BBS)

Uncategorized / By

BOGART-BACALL SYNDROME (BBS)

Bogart-Bacall syndrome is a voice disorder that results from the abuse or overuse of the vocal cords.

  • Bogart-Bacall syndrome is named after Hollywood stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall who were known for their natural husky tones.
  • People who speak or sing below their vocal range often develop the Bogart-Bacall syndrome.
  • Individuals of any age can be affected by Bogart-Bacall syndrome.
  • This condition affects both men and women especially those who speak in a low-pitched voice for a continuous period of time.
  • It is most common among singers, actors, teachers, radio presenter and television personalities as they put ridiculous demands on their voice.
  • These people speak with a frequency that is too low, poor breath support, and a laryngeal muscle tension.
  • Bogart-Bacall syndrome is now 3 times more prevalent in women. Some women tend to deliberately lower their voice in a bid to sound more authoritative and masculine. This is as a result of social pressure to compete with men.
  • This method of deliberately lowering pitch can have serious and long-term side effects.

CAUSES

In an attempt to maintain a low-pitched voice, a sufferer may keep speaking even when the air in their lungs is almost exhausted. Because a lot of effort is required during the process of forcing down the normal pitch range, the muscles involved in breathing and speech becomes tensed and strained. A closer look at the larynx during this low pitch process shows the vocal cord all crunched up and this is very bad.

The major causes of Bogart-Bacall syndrome are:

  • Speech and communication disorder
  • Work-related conditions
  • Throat conditions such as larynx cancer, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord polyps, throat cancer, laryngitis, hypopharyngeal cancer, larynx conditions, achalasia.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may include:

  • Unnaturally deep voice
  • Unnaturally rough voice
  • Vocal fatigue
  • Hoarseness
  • Sore larynx
  • Some people may go speechless

 DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will ask questions about your voice problems and carry out a thorough examination of your throat and larynx. Additional diagnosis may include an imaging technique to visualize your vocal cord.

This imaging technique may include:

Laryngoscope

Videostroboscope, a camera is used in combination with a flashlight to give a slow-motion view of your vocal cords as they are moving.

Additional test may include laryngeal electromyography, in this procedure, small needles are inserted through the skin to measure the electric currents in your voice box.

TREATMENT

Treatment may include speech therapy done by a speech-language pathologist to return speaking level to its normal range. Like any other part of the body, the vocal cords need rest and fluid. The speech pathologist will teach you how to effectively use your voice and the amount of fluid you need to drink. Hydration is essential in sustaining a good and healthy voice.

The syndrome can also be treated by improving breath control. This is important as many people have inadequate and inappropriate training.

The underlying medical condition causing the syndrome may also be treated. Medications can be taken depending on the cause of your condition. This medication can be taken orally or injected.