Vocal cord paralysis happens when one or both vocal cords are not able to move.
The damaged vocal cords remain frozen or stuck, so they do not open and close as they should.
Vocal cord paralysis can have an impact on your health as well as your daily life.
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This ailment can make it hard to speak, swallow, or breathe.
Some cases of vocal cord paralysis resolve on their own.
At the other extreme, some cases need surgery to correct the problem and prevent choking.
This article describes vocal cord paralysis, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and diagnosis.
It also details treatments and outlooks for those who have it.
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What Does Vocal Cord Paralysis Feel Like?
The sensations because of vocal cord paralysis vary based on the severity of your condition.
Unilateral paralysis is the most common key in involving the left vocal cord.
Though rare, bilateral paralysis causes more severe problems and can be life-threatening.
Most cases of vocal cord paralysis occur as a result of changes related to vocal cord anatomy.
When you inhale food or liquid into your lungs, you increase your risk ofaspiration pneumonia.
This condition involves the inflammation and infection of your lungs or large airways.
It is a life-threatening illness that causes choking that can lead to death.
Up to 50% of vocal cord paralysis cases are labeled as idiopathic (having no known cause).
One theory says that they may occur due to nerve inflammation from the common cold virus.
The two treatment strategies used to treat voice cord paralysis are voice therapy and surgery.
These cases often resolve on their own within a year without treatment.
Voice therapy is the first treatment used while you wait for your voice to return.
It can begin as unexplained, persistent hoarseness that lasts for more than three or four weeks.
This creates an obstruction that blocks the airflow into your trachea and lungs.
This can increase your risk ofaspiration pneumonia.
This condition involves the inflammation and infection of your lungs or large airways.
It is a life-threatening illness that causes choking that can lead to death.
Though rare, bilateral vocal cord paralysis can require living indefinitely with a tracheotomy to maintain an open airway.
Summary
Vocal cord paralysis pops up if one or more vocal cords become frozen in place.
If the damage is minor, the problem may heal on its own without treatment.
Severe cases may need surgery to correct the damaged vocal cord and move it closer to the healthy one.
The impact of vocal cord paralysis can vary based on the bang out of problem that occurs.
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