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Stuttering

The speech disease known as stuttering, stammering or childhood-onset fluency disorder causes severe and frequent issues with speaking in fluency with a flow. Stutterers often know what they want to say but struggle to articulate it.

Young kids frequently stutter as they begin to speak, which is a normal process. However, stuttering can occasionally be a lifelong issue that lasts well into adulthood. This kind of stuttering can affect social interactions and self-esteem.

Symptoms

Some warning signs and symptoms of stuttering are:

  • Commencing a word, phrase, or statement slowly
  • Stretching a word or a word’s sounds
  • Repetition of a syllable or representation of sound
  • For a few syllables or words, there will be pauses inside the statements
  • Adding extra words, such as “hmm,” if it will be challenging to go on to the next word
  • Using the face or upper body in an overly tense, tight, or moving manner to produce a phrase
  • Anxiety when speaking
  • Limited capacity to communicate effectively

Stuttering may worsen when a person is nervous, worn out, stressed, or feels rushed, self-conscious, or under pressure. Speaking in front of a group or using the phone can be highly challenging for those who stutter.

    Symptoms

    Causes

    Researchers are continuing to study the underlying causes of developmental stuttering. There could be several contributing elements. 

    Stuttering could be brought on by:

    • Abnormalities happen in the motor regulation of speech. According to some research, timing, sensory, and motor coordination issues may be at play in speech-motor control disorders
    • Genetics. The tendency to stutter runs through families. It seems that inherited (genetic) defects can cause stuttering

    When to seek a medical aid

    Children frequently have phases between the ages of 2 and 5, during which they may stutter. Most kids experience this as they start to talk, and it usually gets better. However, treatment may be necessary if persistent stuttering increases speech fluency.

    If you stammer, call your doctor for a recommendation or make an appointment with a speech-language pathologist.

    Seek the therapist if;

    • It lasts for more than six months
    • Occurs along with additional speech or language difficulties
    • As the youngster ages, the occurrences increase or persist.
    • Muscle tension or apparent speech becomes difficult
    • Affects one’s capacity for efficient communication at work, in the classroom, or in social situations.
    • Causes emotional issues or discomfort, such as fear or aversion to circumstances where speaking is necessary

    Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
    Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022