Voice changes associated with inhaled steroids 1n obstructive lung disease patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: The widespread use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for the treatment of obstructive lung disease may be associated with both systemic and local side effects. These local side effects; including voice problems, oropharyngeal candidiasis, throat clearing, sense of fullness, pharyngitis, and cough, are generally viewed as minor complications of therapy in what is called steroid inhaler laryngitis (SIL). Few studies have been performed to specifically evaluate local side effects of ICS. However, they can be clinically significant, affect patient’s quality of life, hinder compliance with therapy, and mask symptoms of more serious disease. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of ICS on the larynx and subsequent voice changes, and highlighting if these voice problems related to the type of inhaled corticosteroids in order to determine the importance of regular laryngeal examination in those patients.