The vocal chords, also called vocal folds, are comprised of two infoldings of soft mucous membrane extended vertically along the larynx, forming a cartilaginous sheath. They vibrate at a constant level, regulating the air flow through the respiratory tract during phonation. When these vibrating vocal chords are injured, they can become weak and/or inflamed, resulting in a range of symptoms.
One of the most common conditions that can affect vocal cords is laryngitis
This condition affects both the vocal chords and the soft tissues beneath them. Common symptoms include a hoarse voice and coughing, or chest pain. If this condition is left untreated, it may result in permanent damage to the vocal chords.
Another condition that can result in vocal cord injury is tracheostomies. These are surgical procedures that require severing the vocal cord, the soft tissue that is responsible for vocalizing the words you speak. Some tracheostomies may also be performed to repair damage done to the vocal cords.
Another condition that can result in vocal cord injury is vocal polyposis. This condition is caused by polyps on the vocal cords. Other causes of this condition include chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.
If your vocal cords are severely damaged, the result can be quite serious. For example, vocal cord injuries may result in hoarseness, a sound quality that is akin to that of crying, or even a completely unable to produce a clear tone. The best way to prevent vocal cord injury is to avoid doing anything that could damage the cords in any way.
Even if you have already been affected by such damage, you may find it hard to recover. Many people who sustain vocal cord injury find that they cannot speak or sing, and experience an inability to communicate with others.
While some people are unable to express their distress due to embarrassment due to a vocal cord injury, others feel like their vocal abilities have failed. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for those suffering from vocal cord injury.
Some of these treatments include artificial vocal cords, vocal training, and physical therapy. If these methods do not solve the problem, your doctor may recommend surgery. However, you should discuss this option with your doctor before deciding on a course of treatment.
In most cases, damage to the vocal cords can be corrected by restoring the natural vocal cords. This process is called autologous mesotherapy.
Unfortunately, surgery does not always correct the damage, and many patients find that they still cannot vocalize despite their natural vocal cords. One of the treatments that is really successful is surgery using a ligation of the vocal cords. In this procedure, the surgeon cuts the vocal cords, causing the patient to lose the ability to vocalize.
It is very important to consult your doctor before surgery. Although the operation itself is relatively simple, there is always the possibility of complications. therefore, the operation is performed under the direction of a physician. Some of the complications of surgery infection and scarring can be quite painful.
Another complication associated with surgery is that many patients develop a condition known as postnasal syndrome or swimmers Itch. A fasting nasal discharge occurs when mucus collects under the vocal cords and can cause an infection. It can also cause swelling of the vocal cords. Muscles can heal from under the skin and create a new vocal cord, but this is not always possible.
After your doctor has assessed the situation and determined that surgery is the best solution, it is important that you follow their instructions. You should avoid any post-procedure surgery until it has completely healed.