How To Eliminate Vocal Cord Pain Caused By Prolonged Use Of Ventilator?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi
in December I was very ill and ripped the ventilator out of my throat. From what I understand, I has ventilated several times during the 28 days in ICU. I damaged my right vocal cord and it is very, very sore. My voice is shot which I understand may improve in 6 to 12 months.

I can I take or do to eliminate the pain my right vocal cord is causing?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
intubation trauma

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query.
I feel probably you have intubation trauma to the vocal cords, occurred because of prolonged use of ventilator in ICU.
In this case there is vocal cord swelling, injury, causing voice change and pain.
If I were your treating doctor, I would do a direct flexible laryngoscopy, and start emperically on steroids+ diclofenac and serratiopeptidase comb drugs for 2 weeks.
Trysin + chymotrypsin + bromelain tablets also works wonders for soft tissue injury.
If symptoms persists for more than 2 weeks, I would recommend for surgical correction if needed.
Hope my answers have helped you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T