Stridor

Question:

I am a 49-year-old female. I have a problem with my larynx not closing when I inhale, resulting in stridor and difficulty breathing. Why do I have to see a Speech Therapist and what will this achieve?

Answer:

The person you should be asking is your doctor. I am not an expert when it comes to stridor, but my understanding is that it is the result of an obstructed or narrow airway. If there is no physiological issue and you are creating the obstruction muscularly, then work with a speech therapist might help you to retrain the way you use the muscles and relieve the narrowing that is affecting your breathing. Even if there is a physiological issue that can’t be entirely corrected, work with a speech therapist will help you to release any muscular stress that you might have developed. They should be able to help you improve your breathing and speak with more ease despite the condition.