You can get Botox injection in the throat through a procedure called laryngeal Botox.
Onabotulinumtoxin-A or Botox is a substance isolated from bacteria that cause botulism (Clostridium botulinum). Although it is a toxin, Botox is safe when used in a small amount for approved medical or cosmetic purposes by a qualified medical professional. Botox injections block the nerve that supplies the target muscle, causing its paralysis or weakness.
The dose of Botox used for laryngeal procedures is lower (generally one to two units and sometimes up to 15 units) than the amount used to treat skin wrinkles (about 40 to 80 units).
What is laryngeal Botox done for?
Laryngeal Botox can be done for certain conditions that affect the vocal cords or larynx such as:
- Laryngeal dystonia (previously called spasmodic dysphonia): A chronic condition that causes abnormal contraction or spasm of the laryngeal muscles
- Laryngospasms: A reversible condition that causes spasms of the vocal cords, making breathing or speaking difficult
- Laryngeal granulomas: Refers to the formation of an inflammatory mass in the larynx
- Essential voice tremor: A condition that affects the vocal cords, causing a shaky voice
Because the larynx and vocal cord are essential for speaking and breathing, mass or abnormal narrowing can lead to life-threatening consequences. Botox helps relax the tight muscles of the larynx and vocal cords, thereby facilitating speech and breathing.
How is laryngeal Botox done?
Laryngeal Botox is generally done as an outpatient procedure in a doctor’s office.
The procedure may be done in two broad ways:
- Transcutaneously: It involves administering Botox into the larynx or vocal cords by passing a needle through the skin of the neck.
- This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia (by applying for a numbing medicine over the area).
- The person may lie down or stay in a semi-reclined position during the procedure.
- Laryngeal Botox injection may be given under electromyography (EMG) or indirect flexible laryngoscopic guidance.
- EMG is a procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles (such as vocal cord muscles) in response to stimulation of the nerve that controls them.
- Indirect laryngoscopy is a procedure that uses a long mirror to see the inside of your larynx by inserting a flexible laryngoscope through the nose.
- Trans-oral approach: It involves administering Botox into the larynx or vocal cords through the mouth.
- This procedure requires general anesthesia (you sleep during the procedure).
- A long needle is passed down the throat to inject Botox into the vocal cords.
The procedure generally does not cause any pain or significant discomfort. You may experience momentary noisy breathing during the procedure. If you develop severe pain or coughing, you may tell the operating surgeon.
What are the risks of laryngeal Botox?
Some of the side effects of laryngeal Botox include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain
- Bruising over the injection site
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty breathing
- Flu-like symptoms
- General weakness
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms
- High-pitched voice
- Weak cough reflex
Most of the side effects are mild or temporary. Until they subside, one can follow certain tips such as tilting the chin toward the chest during swallowing. Swallowing of liquids may be especially affected. This may be managed by adding THICK-IT powder available at drugstores to thicken liquids.
If the side effects do not subside or worsen, contact your doctor.
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2133549-medication
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567733/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007637.htm
Top Can You Botox Your Throat Related Articles
Botox to Treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Botulinum toxin is a muscle-relaxing medication used to decrease spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three types of botulinum toxin available for therapeutic use.onabotulinumtoxinA, Botox, Botox Cosmetic
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Botox Cosmetic) is an injectable neuro-toxin used for the treatment of chronic migraine headache, axillary hyperhidrosis, upper limb spasticity, cervical dystonia, strabismus, and frown lines. Side effects of onabotulinumtoxinA include allergic reactions, rash, itching, headache, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, and dry mouth.Can You Speak With One Vocal Cord?
It is possible to speak with only one functioning vocal cord, but the voice quality is raspy and weak and of lower pitch. The vocal cords are two bands of elastic muscle tissue in the larynx (voice box) above the trachea (windpipe).What Is the Difference Between Botox and Soft Tissue Fillers?
Botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers are some of the most common anti-aging treatments. Botox is a neuromodulator whereas soft tissue fillers are gel-like substances that replace lost volume under the skin.Facelift
A face lift is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess facial skin to promote a more youthful appearance. Potential complications of the procedure include- bleeding,
- infection,
- asymmetry, and
- loss of muscle function or sensation.
hexylresorcinol
Hexylresorcinol is a medication taken for temporary relief of minor irritation, pain, or soreness in the mouth and throat. Side effects of hexylresorcinol include skin irritation from topical use. Hexylresorcinol is often a component of topical antiseptic applications used for minor skin infections. Avoid use in children younger than 6 years of age, lozenges can be a choking hazard. Stop self-medication with OTC hexylresorcinol and seek medical help if mouth or throat pain lasts longer than 7 days.Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, swallowing problems. Dysphagia is due to problems in nerve or muscle control. It is common, for example, after a stroke. Dysphagia compromises nutrition and hydration and may lead to aspiration pneumonia and dehydration.What Are the Symptoms of Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
Symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction include feelings of choking, difficulty breathing, a tightening sensation in the throat, and the urge to cough.What Causes Laryngeal Dystonia?
As per research, laryngeal dystonia or spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder usually caused because of an abnormal nervous system or a brain disorder. Spasmodic dysphonia most often affects women, particularly between the ages of 30 and 50 years.What Causes Voice to Change?
For many voice problems, resting vocal cords is all that is needed, although this can be difficult for some people. If patients have extremely serious or chronic voice problems, they may need medicines, surgery, voice therapy, or a combination of these. Treatment frequently succeeds in restoring the voice to normal.What Is Botox Used For?
Botox is a drug made from botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin that blocks the signaling processes between the nerves. This disturbs the muscle movements, especially muscle contraction that the concerned nerve controls. Extremely small doses of botulinum toxin are used in Botox injections, making Botox a safe drug.What Is Voice Change a Symptom Of?
Besides physiological causes, a voice change can be a symptom of voice straining, smoking, trauma to the neck, cancer, and more.