Signs and symptoms
• Vocal cords and speech
• Vocal cords open and closed
Your vocal cords are two flexible bands of muscle tissue that sit at the entrance to the windpipe. The bands come together and vibrate to make sound when you speak,. The rest of the time, the vocal cords are relaxed in an open position, so you can breathe.
Only one vocal cord is paralyzed in most cases of vocal cord paralysis. If the vocal cord is paralyzed in a closed position, it reduces airflow into the lungs. Your voice may be breathy, hoarse or weak if it’s paralyzed in the open position,.
Depending on the paralyzed position of the vocal cord, signs and symptoms may include:
• A breathy quality to the voice
• Hoarseness
• Choking or coughing while swallowing food, drink or saliva
• The need to take frequent breaths while speaking
• Inability to speak loudly
• Inability to “bear down” while lifting
• Ineffective coughing
If both of your vocal cords are affected, you may experience the signs and symptoms above, as well as significant problems with breathing.
