What Happens If the Larynx Is Damaged?

The most common cause of damage to the larynx is vocal abuse or misuse, which includes:

• Excessive use of the voice when singing, talking, coughing, or yelling
• Smoking and inhaling irritants 

Damage to the larynx may be also caused by conditions such as:

• Laryngitis
• Vocal nodules
• Vocal polyps
• Vocal cord paralysis
• Neck or chest trauma
• Complications to neck or chest surgery (such thyroid, lung, heart surgery, or cervical spine surgery)
• A breathing tube in the windpipe (endotracheal tube)
• A viral infection that affects the nerves
• Tumors in the neck or upper chest, such as thyroid or lung cancer
• A neurological condition 

See a doctor if you have hoarseness or voice changes that last longer than two weeks for an examination of the vocal folds. 

Damage to the larynx is diagnosed with a medical history and a physical examination. Tests to determine if the larynx is damaged may include:

• Laryngoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, neck, and chest

Treatment for damage to the larynx depends on the cause. Treatment may not be needed, depending on the damage and severity. If treatment is needed it may include: 

• Resting the voice
• Stopping the behavior that caused the damage
• Medicine such as amitriptyline
• Voice therapy 
• Speech therapy
• Injections of collagen, Gelfoam, or another substance
• Surgery
  • To remove growths
  • Repair of a fracture or internal lacerations
  • Arytenoid adduction (stitches to move the vocal cord toward the middle of the airway)
  • Thyroplasty 
  • Tracheotomy to allow breathing