Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Vocal Cords are muscle folds are located in the larynx. They are present above the trachea and involuntarily open and close during breathing to allow airflow. Normally when we inhale they open up to allow air in to the lungs and when we exhale they close.

In case of Vocal Cord Dysfunction, the vocal cords instead of opening during the inhalation close and thus restrict the passage of air to the lungs. This can lead from mild symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing to severe issues like choking and being unable to breathe. Voice overuse, anxiety, Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), exercises, airborne pollutants like smoke, fumes of gases like ammonia, etc. are usually the causes that trigger Vocal Cord Dysfunction.

In majority of the cases, the treatments for Vocal Cord Dysfunction are speech therapies and special breathing exercises. The objective of these treatments is to teach the patients how to control their throat muscles so that they can keep the vocal cords open during inhalation and closed during exhalation for allowing air to flow in and out properly. In extremely rare cases only does the treatment of Vocal Cord Dysfunction involve surgery and that too only when the vocal cords have been paralyzed in a closed position.

Once Vocal Cord Dysfunction has been identified the doctor proceed with the treatment. The treatments usually involve speech therapies that usually range from two to six weeks. The first thing they teach in these therapy session are breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, paused breathing. The patient is instructed to practice these exercises while resting or doing gentle physical activity like walking, etc. Since stress is also one of the causes for Vocal cord Dysfunction, stress management techniques like progressive muscle relaxation techniques, meditation, etc. are also taught to the patient. In certain therapies these things are followed up by a technique known as biofeedback where the patients are taught to improve their condition by monitoring and controlling visceral, somatomotor and central nervous system activities

The speech therapies have a gradual effect and the effectiveness depends on how frequently does the patient do the instructed exercises. Usually they begin to show some results by the end of the therapy sessions

Since the treatment does not involve surgery almost everybody is eligible for the treatment. However in certain cases you might be prescribed anti depressants and muscle relaxation medications. Consult a qualified doctor familiar with your medical history before taking these medications

As speech therapies only involve exercises thus treatment of Vocal Cord Dysfunction thus there are no surgeries nor any kind of medications required. Because of this, there are no side effects of the treatment

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Usually the effects of the therapy can be felt towards the end of the sessions. The patients are able to control their condition so that they do not get any frequent spasms.

The treatment of Vocal Cord Dysfunction usually costs around Rs 40,000 - 50,000

The results of the treatment are not permanent. This condition is caused due to involuntary action of the vocal cords and hence can occur again.

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