Sažetak sa skupa
Calcium supplementation in dysphonia: myth or evidence-based practice?
Ana Đanić Hadžibegović
orcid.org/0000-0001-8513-5032
; KBC Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ratko Prstačić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3623-3562
; KBC Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Dysphonia is a common clinical symptom with a wide range of underlying etiologies, including functional,
inflammatory, neurologic, and structural causes. Despite advances in diagnostic approaches and treatment
modalities, misconceptions about its management persist in everyday clinical practice. This study aims to
highlight the inappropriate recommendation and self-initiated use of calcium supplements for the treatment of
dysphonia, a practice not supported by current medical evidence. A retrospective review was conducted of
patients presenting with dysphonia over a three-year period at a tertiary phoniatric center. Approximately 30%
reported being advised to use calcium supplements prior to specialist evaluation. Recommendations originated
from various sources, including general practitioners, otolaryngologists, and pharmacists. In addition, many
patients reported self-initiated calcium use based on non-medical advice – most commonly from family
members, friends, or online sources. Given that calcium is widely available over-the-counter, access to and
use of such supplements was often unregulated and not medically supervised. A review of the literature
revealed no scientific basis for calcium supplementation in the treatment of dysphonia. Moreover, excessive
or unnecessary intake – especially in effervescent form – can result in increased sodium load, gastrointestinal
side effects, or in rare cases, hypercalcemia, particularly in elderly or comorbid patients. This presentation
underscores the need for improved public and professional education regarding the evidence-based
management of voice disorders. Unsubstantiated therapies such as calcium supplementation not only lack
efficacy but may also delay proper diagnosis and treatment, especially when driven by non-medical advice and
easy over-the-counter availability.
Ključne riječi
Dysphonia; calcium supplements; self-medication; inappropriate treatment; voice disorder
Hrčak ID:
336292
URI
Datum izdavanja:
10.11.2025.
Posjeta: 157 *