Could Covid Have Irriated My Vocal Cords?

Posted on Fri, 27 May 2022

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

Fri, 27 May 2022 Answered on

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I tested positive for covid about two weeks ago. My initila symptoms of severe sore throat and muscle aches have gone. I am now left with fatigue and a strange sensation in my throat feels like a bit of a tickle and a bit inflamed. At times a tightness in lower throat/upper chest area. Also noticied that at time feel like I cant take a deep satisfying breath in. My O2 levels have been 97-99 the whole time. I have a history of vocal cord dysfunction but havent experienced a bout in years. Since I have no oongoing fever or low O2 levels could covid have irriated my vocal cords? Also how long doe fatigue usually last after a covid infcetion?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Elona (42 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mild COVID disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your query and understood your concern.

Considering your symptoms and your oxygen level (of the first two weeks of COVID disease) ,i can deduce that you are a case of mild COVID disease.

About your question:Fatigue usually lasts for 2-3 weeks after COVID-19 infection, although some people may experience fatigue for months after the infection is gone.

At the other side,the study report that COVID-19 can impact vocal cord mobility and cause vocal cords dysfunction (or even paralysis in some cases) after the covid infection.
This is a rare complication in the setting of or following COVID-19 infection*even in mild desease like in your case) and may be due to the neurotoxic effects of SARS-CoV-2.
I suggest to consult a local ENT specialist if the vocal cord problem persist.

Hope i have answered to all your questions.
If you have other doubts,feel free and ask.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Elona (7 hours later)

Are there any ways to reduce the level of fatigue and speed up recovery?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Elona (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Don't rush!

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Fatigue is the most important symptom of post DOVID period and it is likely to continue for some time after the infection has cleared.
This symptom is a normal part of the body’s response to fighting a viral infection such as COVID-19.

During the recorery time it is very important to rest,eat healthy,drink a lot of fluids,sleep more ,avoid caffeine.
I also suggest to move around slowly a few times each day.
You may feel pressure to resume your usual activities quickly, but don’t rush.

There aren't specific ways to reduce the level of fatigue!
COVID-19 affects people differently, so give yourself time to recover and you will be " normal " soon.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar