Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the ability to control the muscles responsible for the movement of one or both vocal cords is lost. In this case, the vocal cords do not close properly and may leave a way for food, liquids, and saliva to enter the trachea and lungs. The result of this problem can be impaired breathing and speech. They use.. in the following This article from GCORP LLC health magazine examines the cause of vocal cord paralysis, the treatment methods of this disorder.

What is vocal cord paralysis?

As mentioned, vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both vocal cords cannot move properly. The vocal cords are 2 thin strips of muscle that are located inside the larynx (voice box) and above the trachea.

In vocal cord paralysis, nerve damage prevents these muscles from working properly and the cords cannot open or close normally... this problem can cause difficulty in speaking, swallowing and even breathing... because all these activities depend on the coordinated movement of the vocal cords.

Remember that vocal cord paralysis and vocal cord nodule are both voice related disorders.. but they have important differences from each other.... Vocal cord nodules are benign masses that develop on the vocal cords as a result of excessive or incorrect use of the voice, and usually cause the voice to become rough and tired.

Types of vocal cord paralysis

Vocal cord paralysis disorder can involve one vocal cord (unilateral) or both vocal cords (bilateral), which we have explained in detail below:

• Unilateral paralysis of the vocal cords: Paralysis of one of the vocal cords occurs when one of the vocal cords does not move properly.... In this case, the person may have difficulty speaking or swallowing... Usually there is no breathing problem in unilateral paralysis of the vocal cords.
• Bilateral paralysis of the vocal cords: In this condition, the vocal cords are usually very close together and the airway becomes very narrow. This condition can lead to breathing problems that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis is much more common than bilateral vocal cord paralysis.... The severity of unilateral vocal cord paralysis can vary from mild to severe.... For example, in mild cases it may be difficult to speak.... In more severe cases, the person may have shortness of breath when speaking....Also, the person may cough or choke when eating or drinking>..

In bilateral vocal cord paralysis, the vocal cords may become too close to each other and make breathing difficult.. Swallowing food may also be affected and food or drink may enter the trachea and lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia.. We recommend that you see an ear, nose and throat specialist immediately if you experience symptoms of vocal cord paralysis or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Symptoms of vocal cord paralysis

Symptoms and symptoms of vocal cord paralysis are:

• Hoarse, weak, scratchy or breathy voice
• Change pitch
• Change in loudness
Shortness of breath or complete loss of voice
• Noisy breathing such as wheezing or wheezing when breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Inability to clear the throat by coughing
• Feeling of suffocation when trying to swallow

This situation can be associated with fatigue.. because a person spends a lot of energy to breathe better or produce the desired sound..... sometimes he feels suffocated; Especially when food or drink enters the trachea by mistake. Also, some people constantly feel that they have mucus in their throat that they are unable to clear.

The cause of vocal cord paralysis

The reason for paralysis of the vocal cords:

• Autoimmune diseases: Diseases that disrupt the communication between nerves and muscles, such as myasthenia gravis (MG), can lead to vocal cord paralysis.
• Infections: Lyme disease, herpes, Epstein-Barr virus and Covid-19 can cause inflammation and damage to the nerves that control the movement of the vocal cords.
• Injury: A blow to the neck, head, or chest area can cause nerve damage to this area.
• Neurological diseases: Diseases that lead to nerve destruction or damage, such as MS, Parkinson's, and stroke, may affect the nerves that control the vocal cords.
• Toxic substances: Toxins such as lead, mercury and arsenic can damage the nervous tissue of this area.
• Surgery: Surgeries in the head and neck area, including removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), parathyroid surgery, heart surgery and cervical spine surgery can cause complications such as paralysis of the vocal cords... Using a breathing tube during surgery can sometimes damage the nerves of the larynx... putting pressure on the larynx nerves and causing damage to this area...

Sometimes, after a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection, one of the vocal cords may become paralyzed. This type of vocal cord paralysis is called "idiopathic" or "post-viral"..

Learn more: Tea for Hoarseness

Consequences of vocal cord paralysis

This disorder can cause mild breathing problems such as hoarseness or more severe problems such as closing of the airway (trachea). In this case, the vocal cords cannot open or close the airway completely... This may cause a person to suffocate when swallowing food or liquids, or food and liquids enter the lungs instead of the stomach, which is called "aspiration". The condition of aspiration may be a severe infection.. Lung lead (pneumonia).

Can vocal cord paralysis be treated?

Treatment of vocal cord paralysis depends on the severity of a person's symptoms.... If the symptoms are mild, the person may only need speech therapy to improve the function of his vocal cords.... In more severe cases, surgery may be needed.... Ways to treat vocal cord paralysis include:

1... Treatment of unilateral paralysis of the vocal cords

In this situation, doctors often decide to postpone surgery for a year to give the patient a chance to recover.. This process may take several months.. During this time, speech therapy can be very effective in mild to moderate cases and help to strengthen the voice.. If the problem is more severe, a laryngologist (ear, nose and throat subspecialty) may suggest vocal cord surgery to improve voice, swallowing or breathing.... Treatment options include from:

• Injection of filler (injection of vocal cords): The surgeon may inject filler material into the vocal cords through a needle. There are different types of safe materials for injection. This injectable material reduces the space between the vocal cords and helps to close them.
• Laryngeal implant (laryngeal framework surgery): The surgeon places the implant in the larynx....Most of these implants are made of silicone...The implant holds the paralyzed vocal cords in place and helps both vocal cords close better.
• Nerve surgery (nerve reconnection): In this method, the surgeon removes one of the nerves connected to other neck muscles and connects it to the nerve that is responsible for moving the vocal cords.. This method does not harm other neck muscles and does not disturb their function.

2... treatment of bilateral paralysis of the vocal cords

People with paralysis of both vocal cords may suffer from dangerous narrowing of the airway. In these cases, there is often a need for a tracheostomy to open the airway and facilitate breathing. In this method, the surgeon makes an incision in the neck and inserts a tube into the trachea. Another way to help with long-term breathing is a tubeless tracheostomy, which allows a person to breathe without the need for a permanent tube in the neck.

3... home treatment of vocal cord paralysis

Some home remedies that can help improve or reduce symptoms include:

• Voice rest: Voice rest reduces pressure on the vocal cords and speeds recovery..so avoid shouting, whispering or talking for long periods of time.
• Hydration: It is important to keep the vocal cords moist... Drinking enough water keeps the mucous membranes moist and improves the function of the vocal cords.
• Keep the air moist: Using a humidifier to keep the air moist can soothe irritated vocal cords.
• Avoid triggers: Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and exposure to pollutants or allergens that exacerbate inflammation.
• Calm breathing exercises: Some breathing techniques help to improve air flow and strengthen the voice.. but it should be done under the supervision of a speech therapist.

Summary

Voice paralysis is a complication that can affect the ability to speak, swallow and even breathe.. This disorder is usually caused by nerve damage, neck surgeries, neurological diseases or viral infections.. Depending on its severity, the treatment of this disease includes speech therapy, filler injection, implant implantation.. Some cases are nerve care, trench surgery or home treatment.. It plays an effective role in improving the quality of life.

If you have symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or have a history of surgery in the neck area, we recommend that you visit an ear, nose and throat specialist for a more detailed examination and receive the appropriate treatment. Online appointment system for an in-person visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions