How Do You Treat Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Vocal cord paralysis has a wide range of causes, severity and treatments. It may clear up by itself, respond to a few sessions of therapy or require surgery. It is vital not to ignore the sudden onset of symptoms, since the individual may not remember experiencing any head or neck trauma, or there may be no discernible cause. Getting treatment is important and, luckily, not too difficult. Seek medical help when experiencing symptoms such as sudden vocal weakness or reduced pitch, breathiness, a rough or “gargling” sound to the voice, difficulty swallowing (frequent choking or aspiration of food) and shortness of breath. Have a doctor ascertain the extent of the paralysis. It is commonest for only one of the vocal cords (also called vocal folds) to be affected (unilateral). Start with the least invasive way to treat vocal cord paralysis unless your doctor recommends otherwise. This would be voice therapy, breathing exercises, strategies to control pitch and volume, and placement of the
