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What Causes Involuntary Humming Leading To Anxiety?
Question: I have been humming softly for about two years now. It seems to get worse. Now when I hum a lot it gets faster and I get anxious. I'm 74 years old
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Tell me a little bit more about this humming. Does it happen even when you're not trying to hum, or only when you try to hum? Are you or were you ever a smoker? Have you visited a doctor for a physical exam for this issue? Once I know a bit more about the humming, then we can also discuss the anxiety component.
Dr. Sheppe
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Tell me a little bit more about this humming. Does it happen even when you're not trying to hum, or only when you try to hum? Are you or were you ever a smoker? Have you visited a doctor for a physical exam for this issue? Once I know a bit more about the humming, then we can also discuss the anxiety component.
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I hum even when I try very hard not to. I was a smoker, I quit 24 years ago. I have not seen a dr about this. What kind of dr should I see
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
There are a couple of things this could be. It could be neurologic, and this is the path I would investigate first. This could be spasmodic dysphonia, or related to pathology in the throat, pharynx, or vocal cords. I would see a neurologist or an ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor to conduct a physical examination or possible laryngoscopic visualization of your throat to rule out anything physically wrong.
This could also be a psychiatric tic disorder. This can be helped with medication such as an antidepressant or neuroleptic as well as psychotherapy. But first you need to rule out a physical cause.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
There are a couple of things this could be. It could be neurologic, and this is the path I would investigate first. This could be spasmodic dysphonia, or related to pathology in the throat, pharynx, or vocal cords. I would see a neurologist or an ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor to conduct a physical examination or possible laryngoscopic visualization of your throat to rule out anything physically wrong.
This could also be a psychiatric tic disorder. This can be helped with medication such as an antidepressant or neuroleptic as well as psychotherapy. But first you need to rule out a physical cause.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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