About

Home

Health Reels

Playlist

Videos

Vocal cord paralysis is the ultimate condition where the vocal cord of the patients is disrupted by some systematic error in the body functions. Vocal cord paralysis is a voice disorder wherein either one or both of the vocal cords do not open or close properly. Single vocal cord paralysis is a common disorder while paralysis of both vocal cords is a rare condition and may be life-threatening. The vocal folds are two elastic muscle tissue bands located in the larynx above the windpipe. When a person breathes, his vocal cords remain apart and when he swallows, the vocal cords are closed tightly. When a person uses his voice, air from the lungs causes his vocal cords to vibrate between closed and open positions. In the case of vocal cord paralysis, the paralyzed folds may remain open thereby leaving the lungs and air passages unprotected. This may cause difficulties in swallowing and may also cause food and liquids to enter the trachea and lungs accidentally thereby causing serious health problems. Vocal cord paralysis can be caused due to infections, injury to the neck, chest, head or lung as well as due to tumors of the skull base, thyroid cancer and tumors of the chest and neck. On the other hand, people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis may be at a higher risk of suffering from vocal cord paralysis. However, in many cases, the cause of this condition may also be unknown. Some of the most common symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include changes in the voice such as a breathy or hoarse voice, breathing difficulties and swallowing problems. Proper medication to cure vocal cord paralysis has to be maintained by the doctor for quick improvement in the patient&#039;s vocal cords. In the case of advanced-level paralysis, surgery is the most effective process for the betterment of the patients. In addition, speech therapy helps patients to bring back their vocal ability. Dr. Ankur Kumar, consultant ENT Surgeon from Kolkata, speaks about the cause and treatment procedure for vocal cord paralysis.

Dr. Ankur Kumar

You may also like