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Medindia » Disease & Condition

Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Jul 08, 2016


About

Patients with Vocal Cord Dysfunction (or) Vocal Cord Malfunction may experience difficulty in breathing, coughing and wheezing, throat tightness or choking, hoarseness in the voice and changes in the voice.


Vocal cords are the bands of elastic muscle tissues, which are located on either side in the voice box. Sound is a result of vibration of these muscle tissues. The vocal cords also have some other functions. They help in the breathing process and prevent food and drinks from entering the airway (windpipe), which can lead to choking.

Vocal cord dysfunction is a condition where the vocal cords open and close inappropriately resulting in partial obstruction to the airways, and therefore difficulty with breathing.

Symptoms of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Patients with vocal cord dysfunction experience the following symptoms-

Risk Factors of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Certain conditions could increase the risk of suffering from vocal cord dysfunction. These include-

Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction is based on the symptoms of the patient and the following tests:


Treatment of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Treatment of vocal cord dysfunction includes-

Short-term treatment: Short-term treatment includes-

Long-term treatment: Long-term treatment involves:


Other Conditions affecting Vocal Cords:

Besides vocal cord dysfunction, other conditions could also affect the vocal cords, resulting in vocal cord problems. These include:

Many of the above conditions resolve with rest to the throat. Tumors have to be surgically removed.

References:

  1. Deckert J, Deckert L. Vocal Cord Dysfunction. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(2):156-159, 160.
  2. Vocal Cord Disorders - (http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/vocal-cord-disorders.html)
  3. Vocal cord paralysis - (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vocal-cord-paralysis/DS00670/DSECTION=symptoms)

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