There are three common causes of vocal cord paralysis

Paralysis can now be mainly divided into three types: unilateral incomplete paralysis, unilateral complete paralysis and bilateral incomplete paralysis. The causes of each type are different. If the disease occurs, everyone must first find out the cause of the disease and then prescribe the right medicine.

1. Unilateral incomplete paralysis: mainly vocal cord abduction disorder, the symptoms are mostly not obvious. Under indirect laryngoscopy, one side of the vocal cord was found to be near the midline, unable to abduct during inspiration, but able to close during pronunciation.

2. Unilateral complete paralysis: The abduction and adduction functions of the vocal cord on the affected side disappear. Examination showed that the vocal cords were fixed in the paramedian position, the arytenoid cartilages were tilted forward, the vocal cords on the affected side were lower than those on the healthy side, the vocal cords could not close during pronunciation, and the pronunciation was hoarse and weak.

3. Bilateral incomplete paralysis: rare, mostly caused by thyroid surgery or laryngeal trauma. The vocal cords on both sides cannot abduct and are close to the midline. The glottis is in the shape of a small crack. The patient may be asymptomatic when calm, but often feels difficulty breathing during physical activities. Once an upper respiratory tract infection occurs, severe breathing difficulties may occur.

4. Vocal cord paralysis should be treated according to its cause. In the case of unilateral incomplete paralysis, there is no obvious obstacle to pronunciation and breathing, and usually no treatment is required. In the case of unilateral complete paralysis, if compensation cannot be achieved after a long time and the patient requires improved pronunciation, Teflon can be injected under the vocal cord mucosa to allow collagen fibers or fat to widen the vocal cords and move them closer to the midline. Bilateral abductor paralysis, if there is difficulty breathing, should be tracheotomy, and then surgical correction.

Precautions

Avoid irritating foods, eat less hot, cold and spicy foods, quit smoking and drink less alcohol. Even passive smoking should be avoided, as smoking can significantly increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.