Bogart–Bacall syndrome

BBS is now the medical term for an ongoing hoarseness that often affects actors, singers or TV/radio voice workers who routinely speak in a very low pitch.

Women are also more susceptible than men to experience heightened symptoms due to their increased likelihood of speaking at a lower pitch in professional settings.

[9] Signs and symptoms of Bogart–Bacall include the following:[10] The cause of Bogart–Bacall syndrome is most commonly identified as abuse or overuse of the vocal cords.

Individuals who develop this syndrome tend to speak or perform with poor breath support and laryngeal muscle tension.

Speech and communication disorders refers to issues involving language and related areas such as oral motor function.

There are many plausible reasons for how Bogart–Bacall and other vocal disorders occur, but it can not be determined for certain due to the many factors that play a role in speech production.

Due to the effort exerted in lowering the pitch range, the muscles involved in respiration become tensed and strained along with speech.

Videostroboscopy provides a magnified, slow-motion view of the vocal cords and larynx in action which allows professionals to see any abnormal movement.

Speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist is a very common method of treatment to return speaking level to its normal pitch range.

Consultation with a speech-language pathologist will determine what levels of rest, fluid, and performance corrections are needed for the vocal cords and larynx to sustain a healthy voice.

Invasive treatment may require the removal of lesions, nodules, or masses on the vocal cords if visualized during diagnostic imaging.

It is more likely to develop in individuals who work in voice performance which can range from singers, actors, teachers or radio and television broadcasters.

It is currently understood that an interdisciplinary approach to target the causes such as poor breath support, overuse, and inappropriate intensity is most effective.

In preliminary results, it was understood that reflux was the case in every singer with bulimia and dysphonia, indicating it may be a contributing factor to their vocal disorder.