What Are the Symptoms?
Both paresis and paralysis of voice box muscles result in voice changes and may also result in airway problems and swallowing difficulties.
Voice changes: Hoarseness; breathy voice; extra effort on speaking; excessive air pressure required to produce usual conversational voice; and diplophonia (voice sounds like a gargle).
Airway problems: Shortness of breath with exertion, noisy breathing, and ineffective cough.
Swallowing problems: Choking or coughing when swallowing food, drink, or even saliva, and food sticking in throat.