Respiratory system >>>> Laryngeal paresis

Laryngeal paresis.

The larynx is located between the pharynx and the trachea and is involved in voice formation and respiratory function. Voice formation occurs due to the stretched vocal cords in the larynx, the gap between which, narrowing and expanding, allows air to pass through, and the vibration of the vocal cords contributes to phonation (voice formation). The tension on the vocal cords is regulated by the muscles of the larynx, which work by innervation by the branches of the vagus nerve, which is controlled by the cerebral cortex. Violations in any of the areas can lead to paresis of the larynx - a violation of the motor activity of the internal muscles of the larynx, and as a consequence of impaired respiratory function and voice formation.

Depending on where exactly the malfunctions occur that cause laryngeal paresis, there are neuropathic (affect the innervation of the muscles of the larynx), myopathic (caused by pathological changes in muscle tissue) and functional (associated with a violation of the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex) paresis larynx. Distinguish between unilateral and bilateral paresis of the larynx.

Laryngeal paresis can develop as a complication of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, infectious diseases, can result from trauma (larynx, craniocerebral), circulatory disorders, can be caused by the presence of tumors, the result of compression and many other factors.

Signs of paresis of the larynx:

Hoarseness, hoarseness, cracked voice,
Violation of the sound of the voice up to its complete disappearance,
Shortness of breath (up to asphexia).

Depending on whether unilateral or bilateral laryngeal paresis, symptoms may vary.

The diagnosis of laryngeal paresis involves differential diagnosis with stridor, croup, and subluxation of the cricoid joint of the larynx.

Treatment of paresis of the larynx involves the elimination of the disease that provokes paresis of the larynx. Treatment is carried out by conservative and surgical methods. Conservative therapy involves, according to indications, the use of neuroprotectors and myostimulants. Surgical intervention is carried out in cases of need to remove diverticula, tumors, resection of the thyroid gland, etc., or tension of the vocal cords. Physiotherapy procedures include electrical stimulation, electrophoresis, reflexology.