Our Summary

This research paper discusses a condition called paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder, also known as vocal cord dysfunction. This disorder causes problems in the upper airway, which can lead to severe breathing issues. Patients suffering from this disease often rush to the emergency room with difficulty breathing and a noisy sound when breathing in.

Many healthcare workers are not familiar with this disorder, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis or even misdiagnosis. It may also result in unnecessary procedures like inserting a tube into the patient’s airway or even surgery. Although there are well-established methods for managing this condition in the long-term, there isn’t much information about how to handle it in the short-term.

This article’s goal is to summarize how this disorder presents in the emergency department and how it can be managed in such situations.

FAQs

  1. What is paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder?
  2. What are the symptoms of paradoxical vocal fold motion that might lead a patient to the emergency department?
  3. How is paradoxical vocal fold motion managed in the long-term and in acute cases?

Doctor’s Tip

After vocal cord surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care, including resting your voice, avoiding strenuous activities, and staying hydrated. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments and speech therapy sessions to ensure proper healing and vocal cord function. If you experience any sudden changes in your voice or breathing after surgery, contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery are those with severe cases of paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder or vocal cord dysfunction that do not respond to conservative treatments such as speech therapy, breathing exercises, and medication. These patients may experience frequent episodes of acute upper airway obstruction, respiratory distress, and stridor, which can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to breathe properly. In some cases, vocal cord surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying structural abnormalities or dysfunction of the vocal cords and improve the patient’s breathing and voice function.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and throat tightness.
  2. Patient may undergo various diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy, CT scans, and pulmonary function tests to determine the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Patient may be diagnosed with paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder and may be referred to an otolaryngologist for further evaluation and treatment.
  4. Patient may undergo speech therapy or other non-surgical treatments to manage their symptoms.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery to correct the dysfunction of the vocal folds.
  2. Patient may experience sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient may be advised to rest their voice and avoid talking or singing for a period of time to allow for healing.
  4. Patient may undergo follow-up appointments with their otolaryngologist to monitor their recovery and assess the success of the surgery.
  5. Patient may undergo speech therapy or vocal exercises to help improve their voice quality and prevent further vocal cord dysfunction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending vocal cord surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of the surgery in treating my condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after vocal cord surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my voice or breathing after the surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or therapy after the surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after vocal cord surgery to ensure the best outcome?
  9. How experienced is the surgeon in performing vocal cord surgery, and what is their success rate?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or techniques I can do to help with my vocal cord function after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Denipah N, Dominguez CM, Kraai EP, Kraai TL, Leos P, Braude D. Journal: Ann Emerg Med. 2017 Jan;69(1):18-23. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.06.045. Epub 2016 Aug 10. PMID: 27522309