Laryngology

A laryngologist is a physician who has completed otolaryngology – head and neck surgery (ENT) residency training and further fellowship training specifically in laryngology/bronchoesophagology. Laryngology with bronchoesophagology focuses on treatment of disorders of voice, swallowing, and the airway.

Dr. Bergeron is a fellowship-trained laryngologist with specific interests in voice, swallowing, airway, and head and neck cancer. She holds an undergraduate degree in vocal music performance from Pepperdine University where she trained and performed as a coloratura soprano. She graduated with highest honors from Baylor College of Medicine in 2008. Her passion for voice and music led her to complete an internship and residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Bergeron then completed fellowship training as a clinical instructor in the Division of Laryngology at the Stanford School of Medicine. After completing her training, she has returned to her home state of Texas.

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, make it hard to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. This problem can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in older adults. Several health issues can lead to swallowing disorders, including:

• Nerve Damage – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS can weaken the throat muscles.
• Stroke – Brain injuries can change how the muscles in your mouth and throat work.
• Acid Reflux – Severe heartburn (GERD) can scar the tissue in your esophagus, narrowing it.
• Head and Neck Cancers – Tumors in the throat can block food from going down easily.

The right swallowing disorder treatment depends on what’s causing the problem. After a careful exam, our specialists will create a plan using one or more of the following treatments to help you eat and drink safely:

• Diet Changes – You might need to eat softer foods or drink thicker liquids that are easier to swallow.
• Therapy – A speech-language pathologist can teach you new ways to chew and swallow.
• Medicine – Prescription drugs can reduce stomach acid if GERD is causing your symptoms.
• Surgery – If your throat is narrow or blocked, a surgeon can widen the path or remove the blockage.

Laryngeal cancer affects the tissues of the voice box, but finding and addressing it early can make a big difference in how well treatment works. We know that certain habits and health issues can raise your risk of developing this disease. The most common risk factors for laryngeal cancer are:

• Tobacco Use – Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is the biggest risk factor.
• Heavy Alcohol Use – Drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long time damages throat tissue.
• HPV Infection – The human papillomavirus is linked to several types of head and neck cancers.
• Poor Diet – Not eating enough healthy fruits and vegetables can weaken your body’s defenses.
• Workplace Chemicals – Long-term, high-level exposure to wood dust, paint fumes, and certain occupational chemicals may increase risk.

Voice therapy is a program designed to help people improve or heal their vocal cords. You might need this type of therapy if your voice sounds rough, weak, or breathy. It’s very helpful for professionals who use their voices a lot, like teachers, singers, and lawyers. You may also need voice therapy if you have vocal nodules, polyps, or muscle tension in your throat.

During a therapy session, you’ll work closely with a speech-language pathologist. The goal is to change the way you use your vocal cords so that they can heal. Your therapist will teach you specific voice therapy exercises to strengthen your muscles, such as:

• Breathing methods to properly support your voice
• Relaxation techniques to remove tight tension in your neck
• Vocal warm-ups to prevent future injury
• Pitch control practice to help you speak at a safe volume

Laryngology and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) are closely connected, but they’re not the same. An ENT doctor, or otolaryngologist, treats many general issues in the head and neck, including ear infections, sinus problems, and hearing loss. A laryngologist is an ENT doctor who has completed extra years of special training focused on the voice box, airway, and swallowing. If you have a complex throat issue, an ENT doctor will likely send you to a laryngologist for advanced care.