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.

Keywords:
Signs and Symptoms; Voice; Speech Disorders; Chemical Compound Exposure