Functional paresis of the larynx
Functional laryngeal paresis is a violation of the respiratory function, which forms vocal sounds, due to a decrease in the motor activity of the laryngeal muscles. The larynx is the upper respiratory tract system that is located between the pharynx and trachea. Its functions are to pass oxygen and form a vocal sound, due to the oscillation of the vocal cords. The laryngeal muscles, which regulate the expansion and narrowing of the glottis, control the tension of the ligaments. The disease does not last more than one or two years. The expression of symptoms depends on the prescription of the disease. During the first days, there is a violation of the functions of the larynx, shortness of breath and cough appear. After two to three weeks, the condition improves due to incomplete compensation of lost functions. If not treated, atrophy of the laryngeal muscles may develop, which leads to a disorder of ligament closure.
The content of the article:
Classification
Prerequisites for the disease
Causes of laryngeal paresis
Symptoms of functional laryngeal paresis
Diagnosis functional paresis of the larynx
How is laryngeal paresis treated
How to get rid of the disease
Functional paresis of the larynx
In this article we will look at functional laryngeal paresis, its symptoms and causes. Functional laryngeal paresis is a loss of voice—forming function that occurs during disorders of the central nervous system. In the course of research, a feature of functional paresis was identified, which serves as a difference from other paresis, this feature consists in the absence of any cause or factor contributing to the development of the disease. The functional paresis of the larynx is based only on functional disorders, which is caused by the sudden recovery of the patient.
Classification
The classification of laryngeal paresis occurs as follows — they are divided into: myopathic, acquired due to pathology of the laryngeal muscles; neuropathic, which occur when a part of the nervous apparatus is affected; functional, observed due to a violation of the cerebral cortex.
In addition to all these classifications, laryngeal paresis is divided into: unilateral and bilateral. If the function of the respiratory organs is impaired, the respiratory tract narrows and breathing is partially obstructed or may be completely complicated, then this condition turns into asphyxia. Treatment of laryngeal paresis can acquire both medicinal and surgical character, depending on the degree of the disease.
Prerequisites for the disease
Very often, functional laryngeal paresis is observed in patients with an unstable nervous system. The disease occurs during stressful situations. The causes of functional laryngeal paresis are disorders that occur in the cerebral cortex, such as inhibition or overexcitation. The causes of violations can be psychological experiences, severe stress, traumatic brain injuries or brain surgery. Frequent occurrences of functional laryngeal paresis are observed during hysteria, psychopathy or neurasthenia. In patients with a neurotic disorder, the disease can be triggered by inflammatory processes occurring in the nasopharynx, for example, laryngitis or pharyngitis.
Causes of laryngeal paresis
The causes of laryngeal paresis can be many factors. Very often, laryngeal paresis is observed in the presence of diseases such as inflamed laryngitis, frequent flu infections, tuberculosis or syphilis, vascular disorders and atherosclerosis, brain stroke, laryngeal injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Also, the causes of the development of laryngeal paresis may be violations of the branches of the vagus nerve, which is in contact with the heart, lungs and thyroid gland. Damage to this nerve can be caused by an aortic aneurysm, tumors of the lymph nodes or esophagus, thyroid diseases and many other medical cases. Another important factor in the development of laryngeal paresis may be the professional loads that occur in singers and actors, teachers and announcers. Increased stress on the vocal cords and inhalation of smoky or cold air also negatively affect the condition of the ligaments. Functional laryngeal paresis can occur due to severe stress and further develop during hysteria or vegetative vascular dystonia.
Symptoms of functional laryngeal paresis
Symptoms of functional laryngeal paresis will be speech in the form of a whisper or a complete absence of voice. But when a laugh or cough is formed, the voice is cut through. In patients suffering from neurotic disorders, there is a long absence of voice after suffering from diseases such as sore throat or flu. Patients have complaints of scratching and sore throat, hoarseness. Sleep disorders, headache, emotionality and irritability are also diagnosed. In special cases, tachycardia, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea are manifested. Functional laryngeal paresis may occur with prolonged exposure to psychological factors.
Diagnosis functional paresis of the larynx
Very often there is a sudden recovery, due to unexpected fright or joy. It is possible to diagnose functional laryngeal paresis at an appointment with an otolaryngologist, who in turn must exclude or confirm the diagnosis and cause of the disease. The diagnosis of functional laryngeal paresis can be confirmed by an analysis that is prescribed after recently suffering stress or excessive susceptibility to psychogenic situations. A properly compiled picture of the patient’s life will help diagnose functional paresis.
To exclude myopathic and neuropathic paresis, a complete examination of the patient will be required. To carry out all the necessary studies, it is necessary to consult such doctors as a phoniator, a psychotherapist, a neurologist, an endocrinologist and such tests as microlaryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy, X—ray or laryngeal tomography. A test is carried out on the psychological state and other aspects.
How is laryngeal paresis treated
Basically, the beginning of treatment is to eliminate the factor or cause that caused the disease. When treating with medications, antibiotics and antiviral drugs are prescribed, a vitamin course and a course of muscle activity with stimulants. In some situations, a course of antidepressants and sedatives is prescribed, less often tranquilizers. When surgical intervention is necessary, during the operation, the muscles of the vocal cords are stretched, as well as the removal of esophageal tumors. In case of asphyxia, an emergency tracheostomy is performed.
How to get rid of the disease
Treatment of functional paresis of the larynx is to eliminate the disease that caused functional paresis. Treatment is carried out by psychotherapists or psychiatrists, sedatives and antidepressants are used. They conduct psychotherapy classes and physiotherapy trainings. A very important factor in the treatment of functional laryngeal paresis is the exclusion of mental stress and the preparation of the correct daily routine, healthy food and vitamins. The change of the environment around the patient also has a positive effect on the patient’s condition. There is also one method of restorative physiotherapy by electrostimulation of the laryngeal muscles with a fluctuating current. A probe is inserted into the larynx and attached to the vocal cord, with longitudinal movements along the vocal cord, the arytenoid cartilage is moved to the middle. The current is supplied to the muscular contractions of the vocal cord. The second probe is installed outside the larynx at the point of the middle and upper third of the thyroid cartilage. The method of treatment consists in improving the functions of the muscular apparatus and can be carried out in any physiotherapy room.
