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Vocal cord paralysis & swallowing problems cause aspiration
I'm new here. As a result of neck surgery years ago, either my rt. recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve was injured, causing rt. side vocal cord paralysis & swallowing difficulties. I have to be extremely careful while eating, food & even saliva can be aspirated down the "wrong" pipe. A minor cold with sniffles usually degenerates into chest problems because, I think, I'm aspirating post-nasal drip during the night. What solutions can members here suggest for me to deal with this, as I age it's getting worse.
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@perfeectpitch Welcome to Mayo Connect. There have been a number of discussions here about swallowing and choking issues. You can find some of them by using the search box at the top of the page and entering the terms "aspiration, paralyzed vocal chord" or "aspiration, choking"
Since you have been dealing with this for some time, have you seen an ENT and a Speech Therapist to learn exercises and techniques to minimize the issue? My vocal chords are not paralyzed, but do not open and close properly, the exercises and tips have cut my choking issues by 89-90%
My Experience with Vocal Cord Paralysis and Tracheotomy
Dear @perfectpitch,
Hello. I’m writing to share my journey, as it might offer some perspective on your situation.
Due to both radiation and COVID, I developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. I suffered severely from constant trapped mucus and, after a year on antibiotics and many hospital admissions, I ultimately chose to have a tracheotomy. I barely made it to the surgery date, but I am now living a full life.
I know the idea of a trach tube sounds scary, but I no longer even realize mine is there. The tube allows the mucus to be readily coughed out, which is a major benefit. Mucus or other substances entering the lungs can lead to serious lung infections and worse.
Important Note on Treatment
If you have not had radiation exposure, please know that there are many new techniques available to help people with paralyzed vocal cords. Unfortunately, these corrective procedures often cannot be performed on radiated tissue.
Best wishes for finding a solution that works for you!